# US 9,437,118 B2 · Flexible and rigid endoscopic training device (FRED) > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,437,118 B2 - Document ID: US9437118B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/496,244 - Filed: 2010-09-17 - Published: 2012-07-26 - Granted: 2016-09-06 - Earliest claimed: 2009-09-18 - Assignees: University of Tennessee Research Foundation - Applicants: Jacqueline C. Whittemore; Katherine C. Kottkamp - Inventors: Jacqueline C. Whittemore; Katherine C. Kottkamp - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9437118B2 ## CPC - G09B 23/285: {for injections, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, sigmoidscopy, insertion of contraceptive devices or enemas} - G09B 23/30: Anatomical models {(G09B23/281 - G09B23/288 take precedence)} - G09B 23/281: {for pregnancy, birth or obstetrics (G09B23/286 takes precedence)} - G09B 23/288: {for artificial respiration or heart massage} - G09B 23/36: for zoology - G09B: EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS (devices for psychotechnics or for testing reaction times A61B5/16; games, sports, amusements A63; projectors, projector screens G03B) ## Abstract An anatomically realistic model for training in minimally invasive procedures. The model includes an outer shell resembling the appropriate animal or human being with openings for accessing the interior cavity of the shell. Modules within the interior cavity are operably connected to the openings to permit external access to the modules. The modules comprise different mechanical components configured to represent an organ or anatomical feature. Spacers within the interior cavity provide structure and maintain placement of the modules and sufficiently realistic tactile feedback during an endoscopic procedure. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An anatomically realistic model for training personnel in endoscopic and other medical procedures, the model comprising: a shell resembling an animal, the shell having an interior cavity; at least one removable module positioned in the interior cavity of the shell that mimics realistic function, proximity, and pressure of organs of a living animal; openings for accessing orifices and body cavities in the animal; one or more spacers that maintain normal placement of the at least one removable module within the interior cavity and provide realistic rigidity and resistance that would be experienced during a medical procedure on a living animal; one or more panels designed to apply sufficient pressure to the at least one removable module to mimic the proximity and pressure of normal surrounding tissues in a living animal on the at least one removable module as that which would be experienced by the organs of the living animal; and wherein said model simulates normal function and behavior of the living animal when the animal is used for practicing a medical procedure and is anatomically realistic. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The model of claim 1, wherein the shell resembles the outward appearance of a mammal. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The model of claim 1, wherein the opening is an oral orifice. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The model of claim 1, wherein the opening is a rectal orifice. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The model of claim 1, wherein the at least one removable module represents a gastrointestinal system. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The model of claim 1, wherein the at least one removable module is selected from upper airway tract, lower airway tract, esophagus, heart with pericardial sac, stomach, duodenum, colon, jejunum, bile duct, ileocolic junction, ileum, cecum, colon, upper intestinal tract, lower intestinal tract, urinary tract, or reproductive tract. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The model of claim 1, wherein said model is transportable. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The model of claim 1, wherein said model is made from a synthetic material. ### Claim 9 (depends on 2) The model of claim 2, wherein said model is a dog or a human. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The model of claim 1, wherein the model comprises more than one organ system. ### Claim 11 An anatomically realistic model for training personnel in endoscopic and other medical procedures, the model consisting of: a shell resembling an animal, the shell having an interior cavity; at least one removable module positioned in the interior cavity of the shell that mimics realistic function, proximity, and pressure of organs of a living animal; openings for accessing orifices and body cavities in the animal; one or more spacers that maintain normal placement of the at least one removable module within the interior cavity and provide realistic rigidity and resistance that would be experienced during a medical procedure on a living animal; one or more panels designed to apply sufficient pressure to the at least one removable module to mimic the proximity and pressure on the at least one removable module that would be experienced by the organs of the living animal; and wherein said model simulates normal function and behavior of the living animal when the animal is used for practicing a medical procedure and is anatomically realistic. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The anatomically realistic model according to claim 1, said model simulates normal function and behavior of the living animal when the animal is used for practicing a medical procedure, is anatomically realistic and wherein manipulation of the shell and internal modules of the model in a manner used to manipulate a living animal can be performed and results in realistic functional responses by the model. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The anatomically realistic model of claim 11, said model simulates normal function and behavior of the living animal when the animal is used for practicing a medical procedure, is anatomically realistic and wherein manipulation of the shell and internal modules of the model in a manner used to manipulate a living animal can be performed and results in realistic functional responses by the model. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The anatomically realistic model of claim 1, wherein the animal is a non-human animal. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The anatomically realistic model of claim 11, wherein the animal is a non-human animal.