H. Buettner2, K. Patel1, J. Yoo1,2, A. Chatterjee1,2, L. Chen1,2 1Tufts Medical Center,Department Of Surgery,Boston, MA, USA 2Tufts University School Of Medicine,Boston, MA, USA
Introduction: Experience with basic tissue handling, suturing and wound closure is difficult to provide to medical students and junior surgical residents due to limitations with current models. Existing synthetic skin models do not provide accurate tactile sensation and are prohibitively expensive. Cadaver or animal tissue is also expensive, requires a laboratory, and exposes trainees to biohazards. There is a need for a safe, cost-effective, and reusable skin model for trainees to gain experience with suturing and wound closure techniques before performing these procedures in the operating room.
Methods: Our synthetic skin model is designed to have simulated epidermal/dermal, subcutaneous fat and muscle layers. The template consisted of vinyl fabric affixed to plywood, which provides a flat surface with dermal texture. The template was layered with the following in sequence: medium density silicone rubber imbedded with two way stretch mesh fabric to emulate dermis and epidermis, a softer layer of low density silicone gel to emulate subcutaneous fat, and a final layer of medium density silicone rubber to emulate muscle. All materials were readily available from various suppliers. Surgical residents tested the clinical qualities of the skin models.
Results: A linear incision was made and our model was tested for appropriate resistance to needle and suture, ability to retain stitches, and durability. The residents were able to perform simple interrupted sutures, dermal and epidermal reapproximation, and everting sutures. The model could be re-used during multiple sessions. The cost of this model was $0.42 per square inch. Comparative models cost $1.20-$1.99 per square inch.
Conclusion: We developed a cost saving synthetic model that closely mimics properties of human tissue and can be easily prepared by trainees and lab coordinators.