Enhancing Human-Centric Medical Device Innovation

Challenge:

A leading surgical training centre approached us to create a lifelike abdominal cavity model for laparoscopic surgery simulation. The model needed to replicate the insufflated abdominal environment, providing an accurate workspace for hands-on training.

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Our Solution:

• Developed a 3D anatomical model based on real human data, featuring lifelike internal organs.

• Manufactured a flexible, air-inflatable peritoneal cavity, mimicking real-world insufflation effects.

• Designed models for organ manipulation, trocar placement, and tool interaction, ensuring realistic resistance and response.

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Impact:
Our laparoscopy simulation is being actively used in training, improving surgeon skill development and reducing patient risk in real-world procedures!

Challenge:
A medical training organisation approached us to develop a realistic skin model for educating patients on self-injection techniques. The model needed to accurately replicate aged skin (50-60 years old), considering different ethnic backgrounds and varying skin textures, elasticity, and puncture resistance. The goal was to improve patient confidence and ensure safer at-home administration of injectable medications, such as insulin and biologics.

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Our Solution:

• Designed multi-layered skin models to mimic the characteristics of aged skin, incorporating variations in elasticity, thickness, and hydration levels.

• Customised skin pigmentation and texture to reflect diverse ethnic groups, ensuring inclusivity and accuracy in training.

• Engineered realistic puncture resistance and feedback, allowing patients to practice injection techniques with true-to-life tactile response.

• Developed durable, reusable training models, enabling multiple practice sessions before patients administer injections on themselves.

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Impact:
The project provided a valuable tool for patient education, significantly improving self-injection confidence, technique, and safety. By addressing age and ethnicity-specific skin variations, we helped enhance accessibility and inclusivity in patient training programs.

One of the world's most prominent surgical tool manufacturers required hyper-realistic simulation of a rectal tumour within the lumen of the rectum for use in surgical education and medical device testing. The model needed to reflect the latest scientific research on tumour structures, texture, and growth patterns to ensure accuracy.

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Our Solution:

• Conducted in-depth scientific research on rectal tumours using the latest medical journals and clinical data.

• Created a detailed 3D model, capturing tumour morphology and anatomical positioning.

• Used advanced material engineering to cast the tumour with lifelike texture, density, and visual accuracy.

• Developed a highly durable and reusable model for hands-on surgical training and medical device testing.

 

Impact:
This project will bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, enabling surgeons, medical students, and device manufacturers to gain a realistic and hands-on understanding of rectal tumours, improving diagnostic accuracy and surgical outcomes.

A client required a highly realistic degassed lung simulation to train surgeons and validate medical devices used in these procedures. The model needed to replicate the biomechanical behaviour of a collapsed lung under surgical conditions.

 

Our Solution:

• Developed a precise anatomical model of a degassed lung based on clinical imaging and medical research.

• Engineered a flexible, air-responsive lung structure that accurately simulates the transition from an inflated to a collapsed state.

• Ensured realistic tissue response, allowing medical device manufacturers to test the ergonomics and effectiveness of their tools in a near-clinical environment.

• Designed the model for repeatable use, making it ideal for surgeon training and surgical tool development.

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Impact:
By replicating a critical aspect of thoracic surgery, this model is helping device manufacturers refine their tools and surgeons enhance their skills, ensuring safer and more effective thoracoscopic procedures.

For Advancing Synthetic Skin for Medical Training & Device Testing

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At Anthrotek, we are exploring the science of synthetic skin to replicate realistic movement and tactile feedback under injection loading. This research will enhance medical training models and support injectable device testing.

Key Focus Areas:

•  Multi-layered Skin Structures – Mimicking human epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers.

• Tactile & Mechanical Feedback – Replicating needle resistance and skin elasticity.

• Injection Absorption – Studying fluid dispersion in synthetic materials.

• Customisation – Creating diverse skin models based on age and ethnicity.

Future Impact:

This initiative will set new standards in medical training, device validation, and patient safety, paving the way for next-gen synthetic skin solutions. 

Challenge:
A global medical device manufacturer needed a series of customisable surgical simulation models to test, refine, and validate their next-generation surgical instruments. The models needed to be modifiable, allowing human factors experts to assess usability, ergonomics, and safety across different scenarios.

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Our Solution:

• Created modular anatomical models tailored to specific device interaction studies.

• Designed variable tissue densities to simulate different surgical conditions and patient anatomies.

• Enabled repeated testing of prototype devices, ensuring compliance with medical safety standards before clinical trials.

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Impact:
These models became critical assets in the client’s device validation pipeline, reducing development risks and accelerating time-to-market.