The training phantom

In Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), many women suffer from vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs) after obstructive labour. Repair of VVF needs a surgical procedure which is difficult to learn.

A phantom model for a VVF repair was developed that can be produced and used in LMICs to train surgeons in the treatment of simple VVFs by the transvaginal approach. 

The phantom consists of  3D printed PLA parts for the bony structures and the frame, and for moulds to prepare the silicone parts mimicking soft tissues. For the tissue-mimicking silicone material, Dragon Skin 10 and two different additives, 11% silicone oil and Slacker, were used for the bladder and vaginal tissue, respectively. The cervix, the vulva, and a plate that closes off the bladder were all made with Dragon Skin 10 without an additive. To mimic the urethra a tube of natural rubber was used, and finally silicone glue was used to mimic the connecting fascia between the bladder and vagina, and to connect the organs. Two gynaecologists in the Netherlands and five in Kenya validated the phantom.

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We published a paper describing the development of this training phantom

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All .STL files are made available for usage including a instruction manual on the development of the phantom

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