Custom Thoracic Cavity Model

Pulse MDM asked . . .

Q: “What would you say is the greatest benefit of a realistic anatomy model to a medical device engineer?”

A: “The single largest benefit of the thoracic cavity model is being able to test devices on representative anatomy without actually needing living tissue. This allows us to discover and solve issues earlier in the development cycle.”

Med Device Mechanical Engineer

“The main benefit of the models is providing us with a wider range of testing environments; large, small, and different materials.”

Tech Development Program Engineer

The Challenge:

Our medical device research and development engineering clients envisioned a modular platform for the testing of suture placement and fastening during cardiac valve replacement surgery. Their targeted anatomy was heart, aorta, ribs, and skin. They planned to use either ex vivo porcine hearts or a heart model.  They wanted replaceable skin which they would be incising, and they needed a flexible platform that allowed for the heart to be attached to the model in different locations.

Model Development & Production:

Pulse MDM designed a tray to hold the ex vivo hearts and a peg system to facilitate moving the tray to different locations. As the client planned to use live tissue, the model was free of small cervices or slots so it could be easily cleaned. A fastening system was devised to hold the skin firmly in place during use and facilitate easy replacement for a fresh incision each time.

Custom Model of Thoracic Cavity

Model Benefit:

Every time you make a prototype, you’ll learn something. And so, the more prototypes you get to try, the faster your learning, making your development cycle faster and more efficient. With fast iterations, your learning can be exponential. Eventually, our medical device R&D clients have to address device design with real anatomy, but early on in medical device development, the goal is to eliminate the weaker ideas and focus on the most promising solutions. Having access to anatomy parts that can be easily stored and incorporated without strict rules for use, speeds development, and gives device developers a convenient platform to demonstrate ideas to an organization’s leadership team and even to investors.

Although this custom model is not available for sale to the public, we are delighted to make you a version that is specific to your unique medical device and procedure. Please use this link to start the process of receiving a model concept; a visual representation of how clinicians and patients will experience your product and procedure. Pulse MDM does not charge for model concepts or the conversations around them so there is no risk to see how we can help you to tell your story in the most engaging and memorable way possible.