+ This work was done at my co-op with Kaleidoscope
Client: Ethicon Inc.
Proposal: Develop an alternative tissue simulator for marketing representatives to use during powered stapler device demonstration
How it works
Ethicon Circular™ Powered Stapler is used for creating the anastomosis in colorectal, gastric, and thoracic procedures. An anastomosis is a connection or opening between two things that are normally diverging or branching.
Marketing representatives were using unrealistic silicone gel and were not satisfied when demonstrating the device's capabilities.
Our solution to an alternative tissue trainer
Fabrication
Misformed staples due to high silicone durometer
Many iterations of molds were created
Silicone durometer was too low
ABS vs. Resin 3D prints
Overmolding iterations
Internal geomatry iterations
We designed molds and had them CNC milled. This allowed us to:
+ Make bigger batches of tissue trainers in less time
+ Demold models more effectively
+ Heat metal to cure silicone faster
1. Fill top and bottom molds with silicone
2. Remove without damaging
3. Fill bottom with corn syrup mixture
4. Cap model with top
5. Over-mold and seal with silicone
Realistic.
The tissue trainer allowed the client to
demonstrate how the device should be used and when differing
pressure should be applied.