The purpose of this design project is to create an anatomically accurate three-dimensional model of the oropharynx, larynx, and upper gastrointestinal regions of the human body in order to test Medtronic’s Tri-Staple Orvil device for use in esophagectomies. In order to create a useable physical model, a simplified CAD model is designed to determine the relevant anatomy with the correct dimensions of a 50th percentile female so that the model represents the constraints of a majority of the adult United States population. Imitation esophageal tissue from LifeLikeBio will be used due to its similar mechanical properties to real human esophageal tissue. Uniaxial, biaxial, and inflation testing will be performed on sample LifeLikeBio tissue and compared to results from tests done on porcine tissue samples to validate the properties of the tissue used for the model. The LifeLikeBio tissue will be attached to the 3D printed CAD model creating a life like mucosa for the esophageal model. Both aspects of the three-dimensional model will create an anatomically and biomechanically accurate human model. The results of this project will allow Medtronic to begin testing their stapling device on a model that is as close to humans as possible, providing valuable insight on the device’s effects on human anatomy for the rollout of their surgical device, while also aiding in the testing of newer and better technologies for future projects.

Our team collaborated with Mechanical Engineering 28 on this project.