Human Cadaveric Artificial Lung Tumor-Mimic Training Model

Introduction: An important phase in surgical training is gaining experience in real human anatomical situations. When a cadaver is available it may complement the various artificial practice models. However, it is often necessary to supplement the characteristics of the cadavers with a simulation of a tumor. Our objective was to develop an easy-to-create, realistic artificial tumor-mimic model for peripheral lung tumor resection practice. Methods: In our work we injected barium sulphate enriched silicone suspension into 10 isolated, non-fixed lungs of human cadavers, through the puncture of the visceral pleura. Four lesions–apical, hilar and two peripheral–were created in each of ten specimens. After fixation CT scans were obtained and analyzed. The implanted tumor-mimics were examined after anatomical preparation and slicing. Also performed CT-guided percutaneous puncture was also performed to create the lesions in situ in two lungs of human cadavers. Results: Analyzing the CT data of 10 isolated lungs, out of 40 lesions, 34 were nodular (85.0%) and in the nodular group five were spiculated (12.5%). Satellite lesions were formed in two cases (5.0%). Relevant outflow into vessels or airway occurred in five lesions (12.5%). Reaching the surface of the lung occured in 11 lesions (27.5%). The tumor-mimics were elastic and adhered well to the surrounding tissue. The two lesions, implanted via percutaneous puncture, both were nodular and one also showed lobulated features. Conclusion: Our artificial tumor-mimics were easy to create, varied in shape and size, and with percutaneous implantation the lesions provide a model for teaching every step of a surgical procedure.