Abstract
State-of-the-art tissue analogues used in high-fidelity, hands-on medical simulation modules can deliver lifelike appearance and feel but lack the capability to provide quantified, real-time assessment of practitioner performance. The monolithic fabrication of hybrid printed/textile piezoresistive strain sensors in a realistic Y/V plasty suture training pad is demonstrated. A class of 3D-printable organogels comprised of inexpensive and nonhazardous feedstocks is used as the sensing medium, and conductive composite threads are used as the electrodes. These organogels are comprised of a glycol-based deep-eutectic solvent (DES) serving as the ionic conductor and 3-trimethoxysilylmethacrylate-capped fumed silica particles serving as the gelating agent. Rheology measurements reveal the influence of fumed silica particle capping group on the mixture rheology. Freestanding strain sensors demonstrate a maximum strain amplitude of 300%, negligible signal drift, a monotonic sensor response, a low degree of hysteresis, and excellent cyclic stability. The increased contact resistance of the conductive thread electrodes used in place of wire electrodes do not make a significant impact on sensor performance. This work showcases the potential of these organogels utilized in sensorized tissue analogues and freestanding strain sensors for widespread applications in medical simulation and education.
Highlights
Since Safar, Lind, and Laerdal invented the first full-size medical simulator, Resusci Anne, in 19611, the healthcare simulation field has expanded tremendously as part of a larger effort to reduce medical error[2]
As many medical and surgical procedures involve the manipulation and deformation of tissue, a strain sensor monolithically integrated into artificial tissue models with a minimal footprint would quantify tissue deformation in a wide range of healthcare simulation modules without sacrificing fidelity
Reconstructive surgical skin procedures such as skin flaps especially would benefit from the quantification of strain as the degree of strain experienced by a healing dermal wound influences viability of the tissue and the extent of permanent scarring[8]
Summary
Since Safar, Lind, and Laerdal invented the first full-size medical simulator, Resusci Anne, in 19611, the healthcare simulation field has expanded tremendously as part of a larger effort to reduce medical error[2]. Inexpensive, conductive, and 3D-printable organogels utilizing a DES as the liquid medium and fumed silica particles as the gelating agent are introduced. Further- capped) or 200 (hydroxyl-capped) fumed silica particles resulted more, we 3D-print stretchable strain sensor channels embedded primarily in shear-thickening fluids, or STFs (Fig. 2f, g).
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