Anatomical simulator for videoendoscopic surgical training

An anatomical simulator for videoendoscopic surgical training, comprising:

• a synthetic anatomical structure formed from an electrically conductive elastomer that is electrocauterizable;
• and
• an electrode lead secured in electrical contact with the anatomical structure to serve as the anode during electrocauterization of the anatomical structure.

An elastomeric composition for use in forming an anatomical simulator for surgical training, comprising:

• a liquid elastomer base that is curable to form a resilient elastomer;
• and
• a gelling agent that is miscible with the liquid elastomer base, wherein the gelling agent is admixed with the liquid elastomer base in a quantity sufficient to reduce the tear strength and maximum elongation of the cured resilient elastomer by at least 50% to mimic the elongation and tear strength of anatomical connective tissue that joins anatomical structures.

An anatomical torso simulator for videoendoscopic training using hand-held endoscopic instruments insertable through trocars, the torso comprising:

• a synthetic torso base including a pneumoperitoneum wall defining a plurality of apertures, each aperture sized to receive a trocar, wherein an annular elastomeric mount is formed in the pneumoperitoneum wall about each aperture to permit a trocar inserted within the aperture to be manually pivoted about the aperture in all directions by 45.degree. relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the trocar when the trocar is at rest within the aperture, the elastomeric mounts having a predetermined diameter and thickness such that the manual force required to tilt each trocar is equivalent to the manual force required to deflect a trocar inserted within a live patient's inflated peritoneal cavity, wherein the predetermined thickness of the elastomeric mounts is reduced relative to the thickness of the pneumoperitoneum wall.