A training phantom for a vesicovaginal fistula repair with the transvaginal approach

Background: In Africa, many women suffer from vesicovaginal fistulas. In this study, a phantom model for a vesicovaginal fistula repair was developed that can be produced and used in Africa, to train medical doctors in the treatment of simple fistulas by the transvaginal approach.<br/>Method of production: The phantom consists out of 3D printed...

The design of an anthropomorphic head phantom for neurosurgical planning, education and training

Neurosurgery is technically challenging because of the inaccessibility and sensitivity of the brain. The risk of complications for the patient is high and simulation-based training is therefore preferred. However, surgical training in cadavers and virtual reality is not satisfactory. A phantom is a model of organs or tissues consisting of tissue...

On the mimicking of geckos and tree frogs for adhering to soft substrates

<b>Background</b>: Soft-tissue grip is a challenge in minimally invasive surgery. Grasping instruments used in clinical practice require high pinch forces in order to generate sufficient grip for manipulating soft tissue without slipping.<br/>In nature, several animals employ adhesion in order to grip on, not only hard, but also soft substrates....

Homeowner Effect and Strategic Interaction in Local Property Taxation

This paper investigates whether and how strongly the share of households owning their homes in a community affects residential property taxation by local governments. Homeowners bear full property tax burdens irrespective of local market conditions, and the tax is more salient to them. “Home owner communities” may hence oppose high property...

PVA matches human liver in needle-tissue interaction

Medical phantoms can be used to study needle-tissue interaction and to train medical residents. The purpose of this research is to study the suitability of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a liver tissue mimicking material in terms of needle-tissue interaction. Insertions into ex-vivo human livers were used for reference. Six PVA samples were...