Design of a neurosurgery training simulator with additive manufacturing to practice the suture of the dura mater

Abstract

The objective of this work has been the realization of a training simulator for neurosurgery operations using additive manufacturing. This work has been developed in collaboration with two neurosurgeons. The simulator developed contains two parts, a superficial skull inside which is the brain. Between both is the Dura Mater: a layer that cover the brain. The Dura Mater is a fibrous, solid, thick and not very flexible tissue, with a thickness of about 0.5 mm. In any brain operation, after having performed the craniotomy, the Dura Mater must be sutured. This membrane has a special consistency and the suture has to be made very close to the bone. Therefore, this complex skill must be trained. The Dura Mater must be replaced for each of the practices and satisfy with the thickness and consistency of human tissue so that it responds in a similar way to a suture performed in the operating room.