Patent Description:
Conventionally, there is known a heart model that simulates a heart and is formed of silicone rubber or the like for an operator such as a doctor to perform surgery and treatment training. For example, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a trainer for cardiac surgery in which a heart model is expanded and contracted by changing a pressure in a tube embedded in the heart model. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a heart simulator in which an intake/exhaust tube is attached to an intake/exhaust port of a heart model provided with an atrium and a ventricle and an air inside the atrium and the ventricle is taken in and out through the intake/exhaust tube so that the heart model is expanded and contracted. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a cardiac phantom including a left ventricle that beats to be available for medical imaging by separately and mutually moving a fluid in a tank that simulates a chest and a fluid in a left ventricular assembly. Patent Literature <NUM> relates to a human torso phantom for modeling and imaging cardiac and respiratory motion.

In the above conventional technologies, for example, Patent Literature <NUM> provides a configuration in which the heart model is twisted during expansion and contraction, as in an actual heart. However, even in the above conventional technologies, there is room for further improvement into a technique of generating a twist during expansion and contraction with a simpler configuration in the heart model.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to improve a technique of generating a twist during expansion and contraction with a simpler configuration in a heart model.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further aspects are disclosed in the subclaims. The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above-described problems, and can be implemented as the following aspects.

It is noted that the present invention can be realized in various manners, and can be realized, for example, in a manner of a blood vessel model simulating a blood vessel of the heart or the like, an organ model simulating an organ such as the heart, a human body simulation device including at least some of the above models, a simulation method, or the like.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams each illustrating a schematic configuration of a human body simulation device <NUM>. The human body simulation device <NUM> of the present embodiment is a device for use in simulating a treatment or examination procedure by using a medical device in a lumen of a living body including a human circulatory system, a human digestive system, and a human respiratory system. The medical device means a device for minimally invasive treatment or examination, such as a catheter and a guide wire. The human body simulation device <NUM> includes a model <NUM>, an accommodation portion <NUM>, a control portion <NUM>, an input portion <NUM>, a pulsation portion <NUM>, a cardiac beat portion <NUM>, and a respiratory movement portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the model <NUM> includes a heart model <NUM> simulating a human heart, a lung model <NUM> simulating a lung, a diaphragm model <NUM> simulating a diaphragm, a brain model <NUM> simulating a brain, a liver model <NUM> simulating a liver, lower limb models <NUM> simulating a lower limb, and an aorta model <NUM> simulating an aorta. Hereinafter, the heart model <NUM>, the lung model <NUM>, the diaphragm model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, and the lower limb models <NUM> are also collectively referred to as "biological model". In addition, the heart model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, and the lower limb models <NUM> are also collectively referred to as "organ model". The lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> are also collectively referred to as "respiratory organ model". Each of the biological models except the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> (that is, each of the organ models) is connected to the aorta model <NUM>. The model <NUM> will be described later in detail.

The accommodation portion <NUM> includes a water tank <NUM> and a covering portion <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped water tank having an open upper part. As illustrated in <FIG>, the model <NUM> is submerged in a fluid by placing the model <NUM> on a bottom surface of the water tank <NUM> in a state where the inside of the water tank <NUM> is filled with the fluid. Water (liquid) is employed for the fluid in the present embodiment, and thus, it is possible to keep the model <NUM> in a moist state like an actual human body. It is noted that another liquid (such as physiological saline and an aqueous solution of any compound) may be employed for the fluid. The fluid loaded in the water tank <NUM> is taken into the inside of the aorta model <NUM> and the like of the model <NUM> and functions as "simulated blood" that simulates a blood.

The covering portion <NUM> is a plate-shaped member that covers an opening of the water tank <NUM>. When the covering portion <NUM> is placed in a state where one surface of the covering portion <NUM> contacts the fluid and the other surface contacts an outside air, the covering portion <NUM> functions as a wave-eliminating plate. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility due to a waviness of the fluid inside the water tank <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> and the covering portion <NUM> of the present embodiment are formed of a synthetic resin (for example, an acrylic resin) having high radiolucency and high transparency, and thus, it is possible to improve a visibility of the model <NUM> from the outside. It is noted that the water tank <NUM> and the covering portion <NUM> may be formed of another synthetic resin, or the water tank <NUM> and the covering portion <NUM> may be formed of different materials.

The control portion <NUM> includes CPU, ROM, RAM, and a storage portion not illustrated, and operations of the pulsation portion <NUM>, the cardiac beat portion <NUM>, and the respiratory movement portion <NUM> are controlled by developing a computer program stored in the ROM into the RAM for execution. The input portion <NUM> is various interfaces used by a user to input information to the human body simulation device <NUM>. Examples of the input portion <NUM> include a touch panel, a keyboard, an operation button, an operation dial, or a microphone. In the following example, the touch panel will be employed for the input portion <NUM>.

The pulsation portion <NUM> is a "fluid supply portion" that delivers a pulsated fluid to the aorta model <NUM>. Specifically, the pulsation portion <NUM> circulates the fluid in the water tank <NUM> and supplies the fluid to the aorta model <NUM> of the model <NUM>, as illustrated by a white arrow in <FIG>. The pulsation portion <NUM> of the present embodiment includes a filter <NUM>, a circulation pump <NUM>, and a pulsation pump <NUM>. The filter <NUM> is connected to an opening <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> via a tubular body <NUM>. The filter <NUM> removes impurities (such as a contrast medium used in a procedure) in the fluid by filtering the fluid passing through the filter <NUM>. The circulation pump <NUM> is, for example, a non-positive displacement centrifugal pump that circulates the fluid supplied from the water tank <NUM> via the tubular body <NUM> at a constant flow rate.

The pulsation pump <NUM> is, for example, a positive displacement reciprocating pump that applies pulsation to the fluid delivered from the circulation pump <NUM>. The pulsation pump <NUM> is connect to the aorta model <NUM> of the model <NUM> via a tubular body <NUM> (<FIG>). Therefore, the fluid delivered from the pulsation pump <NUM> is supplied to an inner cavity of the aorta model <NUM>. It is noted that a rotary pump operated at a low speed may be employed for the pulsation pump <NUM>, instead of the reciprocating pump. Further, the filter <NUM> and the circulation pump <NUM> may be omitted. The tubular body <NUM> and the tubular body <NUM> are tubes having flexibility and being formed of a synthetic resin (for example, silicon) being a soft material and having radiolucency.

The cardiac beat portion <NUM> causes the heart model <NUM> to beat. Specifically, as illustrated by a diagonally hatched arrow in <FIG>, the cardiac beat portion <NUM> expands the heart model <NUM> by delivering the fluid into the inner cavity of the heart model <NUM>, and contracts the heart model <NUM> by suctioning the fluid from the inner cavity of the heart model <NUM>. The cardiac beat portion <NUM> realizes a heartbeat motion (expansion and contraction motion) of the heart model <NUM> by repeating these delivering and suctioning operations. The fluid used in the cardiac beat portion <NUM> (hereafter, also referred to as "expansion medium") may be a liquid, as in the case of the simulated blood, and a gas such as air may also be used. The expansion medium is preferably an organic solvent such as benzene or ethanol, or a radiation-permeable liquid such as water. The cardiac beat portion <NUM> can be realized by using, for example, a positive displacement reciprocating pump. The cardiac beat portion <NUM> is connect to the heart model <NUM> of the model <NUM> via a tubular body <NUM> (<FIG>). The tubular body <NUM> is a tube having flexibility and being formed of a synthetic resin (for example, silicon) being a soft material and having radiolucency.

The respiratory movement portion <NUM> causes the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> to perform a movement simulating a respiratory movement. Specifically, as indicated by an arrow with a dot hatched in <FIG>, the respiratory movement portion <NUM> delivers the fluid to the inner cavity of the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> to expand the lung model <NUM> and contract the diaphragm model <NUM>. In addition, the respiratory movement portion <NUM> suctions the fluid from the inner cavity of the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> to contract the lung model <NUM> and relax the diaphragm model <NUM>. The respiratory movement portion <NUM> realizes the respiratory movement of the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> by repeating these delivering and suctioning operations. A liquid may be used for the fluid used in the respiratory movement portion <NUM>, as in the case of the simulated blood, and a gas such as air may be used. The respiratory movement portion <NUM> can be realized by using, for example, a positive displacement reciprocating pump. The respiratory movement portion <NUM> is connect to the lung model <NUM> of the model <NUM> via a tubular body <NUM>, and is connect to the diaphragm model <NUM> via a tubular body <NUM> (<FIG>). The tubular bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are tubes having flexibility and being formed of a synthetic resin (for example, silicon) being a soft material and having radiolucency.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the aorta model <NUM>. The aorta model <NUM> includes each component simulating a human aorta, that is, an ascending aorta portion <NUM> simulating an ascending aorta, an aortic arch portion <NUM> simulating an aortic arch, an abdominal aorta portion <NUM> simulating an abdominal aorta, and a common iliac artery portion <NUM> simulating a common iliac artery.

The aorta model <NUM> includes a second connection portion 161J used to connect the heart model <NUM> at an end of the ascending aorta portion <NUM>. Similarly, in the vicinity of the aortic arch portion <NUM>, a first connection portion 162J used to connect the brain model <NUM> is provided, in the vicinity of the abdominal aorta portion <NUM>, a third connection portion 163Ja used to connect the liver model <NUM> is provided, at an end of the common iliac artery portion <NUM>, two fourth connection portions 164J used to connect the right and left lower limb models <NUM> are provided. It is noted that it suffices that the second connection portion 161J is arranged in or near the ascending aorta portion <NUM> and that the fourth connection portions 164J are arranged in or near the common iliac artery portion <NUM>. Hereinafter, these first to fourth connection portions 161J to 164J are also collectively referred to as "biological model connection portion". Further, the aorta model <NUM> includes a fluid supply portion connection portion 163Jb used to connect the pulsation portion <NUM> in the vicinity of the abdominal aorta portion <NUM>. The fluid supply portion connection portion 163Jb may be arranged at any position such as not only in the vicinity of the abdominal aorta portion <NUM>, but also in the vicinity of the ascending aorta portion <NUM> and in the vicinity of a cerebrovascular model <NUM> (for example, a common carotid artery). Further, the aorta model <NUM> may include a plurality of the fluid supply portion connection portions 163Jb arranged at different positions.

Further, inside the aorta model <NUM>, an inner cavity <NUM> opened in each of the above-described biological model connection portion and fluid supply portion connection portion (the first connection portion 162J, the second connection portion 161J, the third connection portion 163Ja, the two fourth connection portions 164J, and the fluid supply portion connection portion 163Jb), is formed. The inner cavity <NUM> functions as a flow passage through which the simulated blood (fluid) supplied from the pulsation portion <NUM> is transported to the heart model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, and the lower limb models <NUM>.

The aorta model <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed of a synthetic resin (for example, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and silicon) being a soft material and having radiolucency. In particular, when the PVA is used, a hydrophilicity of PVA allows a tactile sensation of the aorta model <NUM> submerged in the liquid to bear a resemblance to a tactile sensation of the aorta of the actual human body, and hence, preferable.

The aorta model <NUM> can be produced, for example, as follows. First, a frame simulating a shape of the aorta of the human body is prepared. The frame may be created by inputting data of a portion corresponding to the aorta, out of human body model data generated by analyzing a computed tomography (CT) image of an actual human body, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image, and the like, into a 3D printer, for example, and printing the resultant data. The frame may be made of gypsum, a metal, or a resin. Next, a liquefied synthetic resin material is applied to the inside of the prepared frame, and after the synthetic resin material is cooled and solidified, the synthetic resin material is removed from the frame. Thus, the aorta model <NUM> including the inner cavity <NUM> can be easily produced.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams each illustrating a schematic configuration of the model <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the heart model <NUM> has a shape simulating a heart, and a ventricle formation member <NUM> is arranged therein. The heart model <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed of a synthetic resin (for example, urethane and silicon) being a soft material and having radiolucency, and similarly to the aorta model <NUM>, may be produced by applying the synthetic resin material to the inside of a frame produced from human body model data and removing the synthetic resin material from the frame. Further, the heart model <NUM> includes a cardiovascular model <NUM> and a tubular body <NUM>. The cardiovascular model <NUM> is a tubular blood vessel model simulating a part of an ascending aorta and a coronary artery, and is formed of a synthetic resin (for example, PVA and silicon) being a soft material and having radiolucency. The tubular body <NUM> is a flexible tube made of a synthetic resin (for example, silicon) being a soft material and having radiolucency. The tubular body <NUM> has its distal end 115D being connected to communicate with a space inside the ventricle formation member <NUM>, and its proximal end 115P being connected to communicate with the tubular body <NUM> connecting to the cardiac beat portion <NUM>.

The lung model <NUM> has a shape simulating each of a right lung and a left lung, and is formed therein with one inner cavity <NUM> in a state where the right lung and the left lung are communicated. The lung model <NUM> is arranged to cover the left and right sides of the heart model <NUM>. A material and a method that can be used to produce the lung model <NUM> are similar to those of the heart model <NUM>. The material of the lung model <NUM> and the material of the heart model <NUM> may be the same or different. Further, the lung model <NUM> includes a trachea model <NUM> that is a tubular model simulating a part of a trachea. The trachea model <NUM> can be formed of the material similar to the tubular body <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The material of the trachea model <NUM> and the material of the tubular body <NUM> may be the same or different. The trachea model <NUM> has its distal end 121D being connected to communicate with the inner cavity <NUM> of the lung model <NUM>, and its proximal end 121P being connected to communicate with the tubular body <NUM> that connects to the respiratory movement portion <NUM>.

The diaphragm model <NUM> has a shape simulating a diaphragm, and is formed therein with an inner cavity <NUM>. The diaphragm model <NUM> is arranged below the heart model <NUM> (in other words, in a direction opposite to the brain model <NUM> with the heart model <NUM> being interposed therebetween). A material and a method that can be used to produce the diaphragm model <NUM> are similar to those of the heart model <NUM>. The material of the diaphragm model <NUM> and the material of the heart model <NUM> may be the same or different. Further, the diaphragm model <NUM> is connected with the tubular body <NUM> that connects to the respiratory movement portion <NUM>, in a state where the inner cavity <NUM> of the diaphragm model <NUM> and the inner cavity of the tubular body <NUM> are communicated.

The brain model <NUM> has a shape simulating a brain and has a solid shape having no inner cavity therein. The brain model <NUM> is arranged above the heart model <NUM> (in other words, in a direction opposite to the diaphragm model <NUM> with the heart model <NUM> being interposed therebetween). A material and a method that can be used to produce the brain model <NUM> are similar to those of the heart model <NUM>. The material of the brain model <NUM> and the material of the heart model <NUM> may be the same or different. Further, the brain model <NUM> includes the cerebrovascular model <NUM> which is a tubular vascular model simulating at least a part of a major artery including from a pair of left and right common carotid arteries to a pair of left and right vertebral arteries. The cerebrovascular model <NUM> can be formed of the material similar to the cardiovascular model <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The material of the cerebrovascular model <NUM> and the material of the cardiovascular model <NUM> may be the same or different. Further, although not illustrated, the cerebrovascular model <NUM> may simulate not only the artery but also major veins including a superior cerebral vein and a straight sinus.

The brain model <NUM> may be a complex further including a bone model simulating a human skull and a cervical spine. For example, the skull may include a hard resin case that simulates a parietal bone, a temporal bone, an occipital bone, and a sphenoid bone, and a lid simulating a frontal bone, and the cervical spine may include a plurality of rectangular resin bodies having therein through holes through which blood vessel model can pass. When the bone model is provided, the bone model is formed of a resin with a hardness different from that of the organ model such as a blood vessel model and a brain model, and, for example, the skull may be formed of an acrylic resin and the vertebrae may be formed of PVA.

The cerebrovascular model <NUM> has its distal end 131D being connected to the brain model <NUM> and its proximal end 131P being connected to the first connection portion 162J of the aorta model <NUM> (for example, a human brachiocephalic artery, subclavian artery, or a portion in the vicinity thereof). The distal end 131D of the cerebrovascular model <NUM> may simulate a vertebral artery that passes through the vertebrae and other blood vessels disposed on a surface and/or inside of the brain model <NUM> (for example, a posterior cerebral artery and a middle cerebral artery), and further may simulate a posterior communicating artery and be connected to a peripheral part of a common carotid artery. Further, the proximal end 131P of the cerebrovascular model <NUM> is connected to the first connection portion 162J, in a state where the inner cavity of the cerebrovascular model <NUM> and the inner cavity <NUM> of the aorta model <NUM> are communicated with each other.

The liver model <NUM> has a shape simulating a liver and has a solid shape having therein no inner cavity. The liver model <NUM> is arranged below the diaphragm model <NUM>. A material and a method that can be used to produce the liver model <NUM> are similar to those of the heart model <NUM>. The material of the liver model <NUM> and the material of the heart model <NUM> may be the same or different. In addition, the liver model <NUM> includes a hepatic vascular model <NUM> which is a tubular blood vessel model simulating a part of a hepatic artery. The hepatic vascular model <NUM> can be formed of the material similar to the cardiovascular model <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The material of the hepatic vascular model <NUM> and the material of the cardiovascular model <NUM> may be the same or different.

The hepatic vascular model <NUM> has its distal end 141D being connected to the liver model <NUM> and its proximal end 141P being connected to the third connection portion 163Ja of the aorta model <NUM>. The distal end 141D of the hepatic vascular model <NUM> may simulate another blood vessels (for example, a hepatic artery) arranged on a surface and/or inside of the liver model <NUM>. Further, the proximal end 141P of the hepatic vascular model <NUM> is connected to the third connection portion 163Ja, in a state where the inner cavity of the hepatic vascular model <NUM> and the inner cavity <NUM> of the aorta model <NUM> are communicated with each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the lower limb models <NUM> include a lower limb model 150R corresponding to a right leg and a lower limb model <NUM> corresponding to a left leg. The lower limb models 150R and <NUM> have the same configuration except for bilaterally symmetric arrangement, and thus, in the following description, the both are collectively referred to as "lower limb model <NUM>". The lower limb model <NUM> has a shape simulating at least a part of quadriceps femoris present on a thigh and a tibialis anterior muscle of a lower thigh, major tissues such as a peroneus longus and an extensor digitorum longus, and has a solid shape having therein no inner cavity. A material and a method that can be used to produce the lower limb model <NUM> are similar to those of the heart model <NUM>. The material of the lower limb model <NUM> and the material of the heart model <NUM> may be the same or different. Further, the lower limb model <NUM> includes a lower limb vascular model <NUM> (lower limb blood vessel models 151R, <NUM>) which is a tubular vascular model simulating at least a part of main arteries including a femoral artery to a dorsalis pedis artery. The lower limb vascular model <NUM> can be formed of the material similar to the cardiovascular model <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The material of the lower limb vascular model <NUM> and the material of the cardiovascular model <NUM> may be the same or different. Further, although not illustrated, the lower limb vascular model <NUM> may simulate not only arteries but also major veins including from a common iliac vein to a great saphenous vein.

The lower limb vascular model <NUM> is arranged to extend from a thigh toward a lower thigh side in an extension direction, inside of the lower limb model <NUM>. The lower limb vascular model <NUM> has its distal end 151D being exposed to a lower end (position corresponding to an area from a base of a foot to a back of the foot) of the lower limb model <NUM> and its proximal end 151P being connected to the fourth connection portions 164J of the aorta model <NUM>. Here, the proximal end 151P is connected to the fourth connection portions 164J in a state where the inner cavity of the lower limb vascular model <NUM> and the inner cavity <NUM> of the aorta model <NUM> are communicated with each other.

It is noted that the above-mentioned cardiovascular model <NUM>, cerebrovascular model <NUM>, hepatic vascular model <NUM>, and lower limb vascular model <NUM> are also collectively referred to as "vascular model". Further, the vascular model and the aorta model <NUM> are also collectively referred to as "systemic vascular model". With such a configuration, for example, a posterior cerebral artery of the brain, a left coronary artery, and a right coronary artery of the heart can be simulated by the vascular model arranged on the surface of each biological model. Further, for example, a middle cerebral artery of the brain, a hepatic artery of the liver, a femoral artery of the lower limbs, and the like can be simulated by the vascular model arranged inside each biological model.

In the human body simulation device <NUM> of the present embodiment, when at least one of the biological models (the heart model <NUM>, the lung model <NUM>, the diaphragm model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, and the lower limb model <NUM>) are attached to or detached from the aorta model <NUM>, it is possible to configure the model <NUM> in various modes. A combination of the biological models (the heart model <NUM>, the lung model <NUM>, the diaphragm model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, and the lower limb model <NUM>) attached to the aorta model <NUM> can be freely changed according to organs required for a procedure. For example, if the model <NUM> attached with the heart model <NUM> and the lower limb model <NUM> is configured, it is possible to simulate the procedure of the PCI total femoral artery approach (TFI: Trans-Femoral Intervention) by utilizing the human body simulation device <NUM>. In addition, for example, all the biological models except for the lower limb model <NUM> may be attached, the heart model <NUM> and the lung model <NUM> may be attached, the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> may be attached, only the liver model <NUM> may be attached, and only the lower limb model <NUM> may be attached.

As described above, according to the human body simulation device <NUM> of the present embodiment, when the biological model connection portion (the first connection portion 162J, the second connection portion 161J, the third connection portion 163Ja, and the fourth connection portions 164J) is connected with the biological model (the heart model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, and the lower limb model <NUM>) simulating a part in a human body, it is possible to simulate various procedures using medical devices such as a catheter and a guide wire for biological lumens of each organ according to the connected biological model such as a circulatory system and a digestive system. Further, the biological model connection portions 161J to 164J can be attachably and detachably connected with the biological model, and thus, it is possible to remove the biological model unnecessary for the procedure and store the removed biological model separately, which can improve convenience.

A schematic configuration of the heart model <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an external configuration of the heart model <NUM>. <FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the heart model <NUM>. The heart model <NUM> includes the above-mentioned cardiovascular model <NUM>, ventricle formation member <NUM>, and in addition thereto, a cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> and a restraint body <NUM>.

The cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> is a member that forms a simulated cardiac muscle of the heart model <NUM>, and is formed of, for example, urethane. The cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> forms the outside of the heart model <NUM> including a heart base portion <NUM> and a heart apex portion <NUM>. An outer surface 113suf of the heart model <NUM> formed by the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> is provided with the cardiovascular model <NUM>. The cardiovascular model <NUM> includes a coronary artery model <NUM> that simulates left and right coronary arteries. The coronary artery model <NUM> has a shape in which a plurality of side branches extend from a main branch on the outer surface 113suf of the heart model <NUM>. The heart model <NUM> function as a simulator capable of simulating a state of a deep staining recognized in an X-ray image of an actual human body in an X-ray image obtained when a contrast medium is used for the cardiovascular model <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, inside the simulated cardiac muscle formed by the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>, the ventricle formation member <NUM> and the restraint body <NUM> are arranged.

The ventricle formation member <NUM> is, for example, a balloon-shaped member formed of natural rubber having a thickness of about <NUM> to <NUM>, and is formed therein with a simulated ventricle 117lum as an inner cavity part. The simulated ventricle 117lum communicates with the tubular body <NUM>, and when the tubular body <NUM> supplies the fluid to the simulated ventricle 117lum and the fluid is suctioned from the simulated ventricle 117lum, the simulated ventricle 117lum expands and contracts. An outer shape of the ventricle formation member <NUM> expands and contracts in response to the expansion and contraction of the simulated ventricle 117lum. The expansion and contraction of the ventricle formation member <NUM> causes the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> covering the ventricle formation member <NUM> to expand and contract, and as a result, a heartbeat similar to that of the actual heat is simulated by the heart model <NUM>.

The restraint body <NUM> is a clockwise spiral member (spiral coil) formed of a wire having a higher rigidity than the ventricle formation member <NUM>, and is arranged on the outer surface of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. The restraint body <NUM> functions as a "twist generation portion" that regulates deformation of the ventricle formation member <NUM> when the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded and deformed, and causes the ventricle formation member <NUM> to twist. The restraint body <NUM> can be formed, for example, of a wire formed of a metal or a resin having a circular cross section. The restraint body <NUM> of the present embodiment surrounds the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more when viewed from an axis N direction connecting the heart base portion <NUM> and the heart apex portion <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. Further, a spiral traveling direction is a direction along an axis N. "The spiral traveling direction is along the axis N" means that the restraint body <NUM> is arranged to form a clockwise spiral shape from the heart base portion <NUM> toward the heart apex portion <NUM> when viewed from the axis N direction. The restraint body <NUM> of the present embodiment has a configuration where the restraint body <NUM> spirally winds around the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by about five turns. The number of times that the restraint body <NUM> winds around the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> (the number of windings) is preferably in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> rotations, and more preferably in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> rotations. The range of three to four rotations is more preferred.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining fixation portions FP between the ventricle formation member <NUM> and the restraint body <NUM>. The restraint body <NUM> is fixed to the ventricle formation member <NUM> at a plurality of the fixation portions FP, and is not fixed at other portions. The fixation portions FP are provided at predetermined intervals in the restraint body <NUM>. At such a fixation portion FP, the restraint body <NUM> and the ventricle formation member <NUM> may be fixed with an adhesive or may be welded. As described above, the ventricle formation member <NUM> and the restraint body <NUM> are partially fixed by the fixation portion FP. As a result, as compared to a case where the ventricle formation member <NUM> and the restraint body <NUM> are entirely fixed, a degree of freedom of the ventricle formation member <NUM> with respect to the restraint body <NUM> is increased, and as a result, when the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded, it is possible to more easily twist the ventricle formation member <NUM> by the restraint body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a state of the ventricle formation member <NUM> and the restraint body <NUM> during contraction of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram for explaining a state of the ventricle formation member <NUM> and the restraint body <NUM> during expansion of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. When the inner cavity (simulated ventricle) of the ventricle formation member <NUM> is pressed from the contracted state of <FIG>, the ventricle formation member <NUM> is uniformly expanded to push up the restraint body <NUM> from the inside. When the restraint body <NUM> is uniformly expanded and widened from the inside, a relative position of the restraint body <NUM> is displaced between coils of the restraint body <NUM> as illustrated by the arrows in <FIG>. The ventricle formation member <NUM> is twisted to follow the relative displacement between coils of the restraint body <NUM>. This twist causes the heart model <NUM> to be contorted. Depending on the spiral traveling direction and the number of rotations (number of turns) of the restraint body <NUM> with respect to the ventricle formation member <NUM>, it is possible to adjust a contortion direction and a contortion angle of the heart model <NUM>.

It is preferable that the restraint body <NUM> is wound around the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by one or more turns, that is, surrounds the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more. When the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded, it is possible to uniformly regulate, by the restraint body <NUM>, the deformation of the ventricle formation member <NUM> in a circumferential direction by surrounding the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more. As a result, the ventricle formation member <NUM> can be twisted substantially evenly in the circumferential direction. Further, the restraint body <NUM> of the present embodiment has a clockwise spiral, and thus, the twisting direction can bear a greater resemblance to the twisting direction of the actual heart.

According to the heart model <NUM> of the present embodiment described above, as illustrated in <FIG>, the restraint body <NUM> having a spiral outer shape is arranged outside the simulated ventricle 117lum formed by the ventricle formation member <NUM>, and thus, when the simulated ventricle 117lum is expanded, the deformation of the ventricle formation member <NUM> is regulated by the restraint body <NUM> to generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Therefore, according to the configuration, it is possible to generate a twist during expansion and contraction in the heart model <NUM>, with a simple configuration.

Further, according to the heart model <NUM> of the present embodiment, the restraint body <NUM> is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than the ventricle formation member <NUM>, and thus, when the simulated ventricle 117lum is expanded, it is possible to further regulate deformation of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by the restraint body <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to decrease the size of the restraint body <NUM> required to generate a desired twist, for example. Therefore, with a simpler configuration, it is possible to generate a twist during expansion and contraction.

According to the heart model <NUM> of the present embodiment, the restraint body <NUM> surrounds the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more when viewed from an axis N direction connecting the heart base portion <NUM> and the heart apex portion <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. Therefore, when the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded, it is possible to uniformly regulate expansion of the ventricle formation member <NUM> in the circumferential direction by the restraint body <NUM>. This allows a twist of the heart model <NUM> to more closely imitate a twist of an actual heart.

Further, according to the heart model <NUM> of the present embodiment, outside the simulated ventricle 117lum, the restraint body <NUM> is arranged spirally from the heart base portion <NUM> side of the heart model <NUM> toward the heart apex portion <NUM> side thereof. Therefore, a twisting direction of the heart model <NUM> can more closely imitate a twisting direction of the actual heart. Further, according to the heart model <NUM> of the present embodiment, the restraint body <NUM> is fixed to the ventricle formation member <NUM> at the plurality of fixation portions FP, and thus, it is possible to more easily twist the ventricle formation member <NUM> by the restraint body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a heart model 110A of a second embodiment. In <FIG>, only the ventricle formation member <NUM> and a restraint body 118A of the heart model 110A are illustrated, and the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> and the coronary artery model <NUM> are not illustrated. The heart model 110A of the second embodiment is different from the heart model <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first embodiment in the number of spiral windings (number of rotations) of the restraint body. The restraint body 118A of the second embodiment has a configuration in which the restraint body 118A is spirally wound around the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by about one turn. Other parts of the configuration are similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus, description thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> are explanatory diagrams each illustrating an A-A cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an A1-A1 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an A2-A2 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an A3-A3 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an A4-A4 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an A5-A5 cross section of <FIG>. Here, an angle formed by a straight line extending from the position of the restraint body 118A (on the right side of the ventricle formation member <NUM>) in the A1-A1 cross section of <FIG> to the axis N and a straight line extending from the position of the restraint body 118A in each A-A cross section of <FIG> to the axis N is θ1 (> <NUM>). In <FIG>, θ1 ≈ <NUM> degrees, in <FIG>, θ<NUM> ≈ <NUM> degrees, in <FIG>, θ1 ≈ <NUM> degrees, and in <FIG>, θ1 ≈ <NUM> degrees. As described above, the restraint body 118A of the second embodiment surrounds the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more when viewed from the axis N direction. Further, the restraint body 118A is spirally arranged clockwise from the heart base portion <NUM> toward the heart apex portion <NUM> on the outer circumference of the ventricle formation member <NUM>.

According to the above-described heart model 110A of the second embodiment, the number of spiral windings (number of rotations) of the restraint body may be less than that of the first embodiment, that is, five rotations. If the number of spiral windings (number of rotations) is one rotation as in the restraint body 118A of the second embodiment, the restraint body 118A surrounds the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more, and thus, when the simulated ventricle is expanded, it is possible to uniformly regulate the expansion of the ventricle formation member <NUM> in the circumferential direction by the restraint body 118A. This allows a twist of the heart model 110A to more closely imitate a twist of an actual heart.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a heart model 110B of a third embodiment. In <FIG>, only the ventricle formation member <NUM> and a restraint body 118B of the heart model 110B are illustrated, and the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> and the coronary artery model <NUM> are not illustrated. When compared to the heart model <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first embodiment, the heart model 110B of the third embodiment has a fewer number of spiral windings (number of rotations) of the restraint body. The restraint body 118B of the third embodiment has a configuration in which the restraint body 118B spirally winds on about half of the circumference on the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Other parts of the configuration are similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus, description thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> are explanatory diagrams each illustrating a B-B cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a B1-B1 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a B2-B2 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a B3-B3 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a B4-B4 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a B5-B5 cross section of <FIG>. Here, an angle formed by a straight line extending from the position of the restraint body 118B (on the right side of the ventricle formation member <NUM>) in the B1-B1 cross section of <FIG> to the axis N and a straight line extending from the position of the restraint body 118B in each B-B cross section of <FIG> to the axis N is θ2 (> <NUM>). In <FIG>, θ2 ≈ <NUM> degrees, in <FIG>, θ2 ≈ <NUM> degrees, in <FIG>, θ2 ≈ <NUM> degrees, and in <FIG>, θ2 ≈ <NUM> degrees. As described above, the restraint body 118B of the third embodiment surrounds the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more when viewed from the axis N direction. Further, the restraint body 118B is spirally arranged clockwise from the heart base portion <NUM> toward the heart apex portion <NUM> on the outer circumference of the ventricle formation member <NUM>.

According to the above-described heart model 110B of the third embodiment, the number of spiral windings (number of rotations) of the restraint body may be less than one rotation. If the number of spiral windings (number of rotations) is <NUM> rotations or more as in the restraint body 118B of the third embodiment, the restraint body 118B surrounds the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more, and thus, when the simulated ventricle is expanded, it is possible to uniformly regulate the expansion of the ventricle formation member <NUM> in the circumferential direction by the restraint body 118B.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a heart model 110C of a fourth embodiment. In <FIG>, only the ventricle formation member <NUM> and restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d of the heart model 110C are illustrated, and the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> and the coronary artery model <NUM> are not illustrated. The heart model 110C of the fourth embodiment is different from the heart model <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first embodiment in the number of restraint bodies and the number of spiral windings of the restraint body. In the heart model 110C of the fourth embodiment, the four restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d are arranged outside the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Each of the restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d has a configuration in which the restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d spirally wind on about half of the circumference on the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. The four restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d are arranged side by side at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Other parts of the configuration are similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus, description thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> are diagrams each explaining a C-C cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a C1-C1 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a C2-C2 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a C3-C3 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a C4-C4 cross section of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a C5-C5 cross section of <FIG>. Here, an angle formed by a straight line extending from the position of the restraint body 118a (on the right side of the ventricle formation member <NUM>) in the C1-C1 cross section of <FIG> to the axis N and a straight line extending from the position of the restraint body 118a in each C-C cross section of <FIG> to the axis N is θ3 (> <NUM>). In <FIG>, θ3 ≈ <NUM> degrees, in <FIG>, θ3 ≈ <NUM> degrees, in <FIG>, θ<NUM> ≈ <NUM> degrees, and in <FIG>, θ3 ≈ <NUM> degrees. As described above, the four restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d are arranged side by side at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM>, from the heart base portion <NUM> to the heart apex portion <NUM>, and each surrounds the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more when viewed from the axis N direction. Further, the restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d are each spirally arranged clockwise from the heart base portion <NUM> toward the heart apex portion <NUM> on the outer circumference of the ventricle formation member <NUM>.

According to the above-described heart model 110C of the fourth embodiment, the number of restraint bodies to be arranged outside the ventricle formation member <NUM> is not limited to one, and may be plural. When the plurality of restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d are arranged side by side at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM>, from the heart base portion <NUM> to the heart apex portion <NUM>, as in the heart model 110C of the fourth embodiment, if the simulated ventricle is expanded, it is possible to uniformly regulate the expansion of the ventricle formation member <NUM> in the circumferential direction by the restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d. When the number of spiral windings (number of rotations) of each of the four restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d is <NUM> rotations or more, as in the heart model 110C of the fourth embodiment, each of the restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d surrounds the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more, and thus, if the simulated ventricle is expanded, it is possible to further uniformly regulate the expansion of the ventricle formation member <NUM> in the circumferential direction by each of the restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d. The number of restraint bodies to be arranged outside the ventricle formation member <NUM> is preferably in the range of one to eight.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a heart model 110D of a fifth embodiment. In <FIG>, only the ventricle formation member <NUM> and a restraint body 118D of the heart model 110D are illustrated, and the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> and the coronary artery model <NUM> are not illustrated. The heart model 110D of the fifth embodiment is different from the heart model <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first embodiment in shape of the restraint body and the number of windings thereof. The restraint body 118D of the fifth embodiment has a spiral staircase-shaped outer shape. That is, the restraint body 118D includes a plurality of bent portions, and has a shape in which a portion along the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM> and a portion orthogonal thereto are alternately repeated via the bent portion. The restraint body 118D winds around the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by about one turn with this spiral staircase-shaped outer shape. Other parts of the configuration are similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus, description thereof will be omitted.

According to the above-described heart model 110D of the fifth embodiment, the shape of the restraint body is not limited to a perfect spiral shape. On the surface of the ventricle formation member <NUM>, the restraint body <NUM> may suffice to include a portion in which positions in the axis N direction are different from each other and a position in which the portions in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM> are different from each other. With such a configuration, when the simulated ventricle is expanded, it is possible to generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM> by regulating deformation of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by the restraint body <NUM>. In the restraint body 118D of the fifth embodiment, the position of one end in the axis N direction and the position of the other end in the axis N direction are different, and the number of windings (number of rotations) is one rotation or more, and thus, the restraint body 118D includes a position in which the portions in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM> are different from each other. Therefore, even with the restraint body 118D of the fifth embodiment, the deformation of the ventricle formation member <NUM> is regulated to generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a heart model 110E of a sixth embodiment. In <FIG>, only the ventricle formation member <NUM> and a restraint body 118E of the heart model 110E are illustrated, and the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> and the coronary artery model <NUM> are not illustrated. The heart model 110E of the sixth embodiment is different from the heart model <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first embodiment in shape of the restraint body, the number thereof, and the number of windings thereof. In the heart model 110E of the sixth embodiment, four restraint bodies 118e, 118f, <NUM>, and <NUM> are arranged outside the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Each of the restraint bodies 118e, 118f, <NUM>, and <NUM> does not have a spiral shape, but has a U-shape in which the restraint bodies 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d spirally wind on about half of the circumference on the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. The four restraint bodies 118e, 118f, <NUM>, and <NUM> are located at different positions in the axis N direction, and the restraint body 118e, the restraint body 118f, the restraint body <NUM>, the restraint body <NUM> are arranged in this order from the heart base portion <NUM> side toward the heart apex portion <NUM>. Further, in the four restraint bodies 118e, 118f, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the restraint body 118e and the restraint body <NUM> are at the same location in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM>, and the restraint body 118f and the restraint body <NUM> are arranged at positions opposing to the restraint body 118e and the restraint body <NUM>. As a result, when viewed from the axis N direction, configuration is that the restraint body 118e and the restraint body 118f, and the restraint body <NUM> and the restraint body <NUM> spirally wind around the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by about one turn. Other parts of the configuration are similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus, description thereof will be omitted.

According to the above-described heart model 110E of the sixth embodiment, the shape of the restraint body is not limited to a spiral shape. If the restraint body <NUM> includes a plurality of the restraint bodies <NUM>, as a whole of the plurality of restraint bodies <NUM>, on the surface of the ventricle formation member <NUM>, the restraint body <NUM> may suffice to include a portion in which positions in the axis N direction are different from each other and a position in which the portions in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM> are different from each other. With such a configuration, when the simulated ventricle is expanded, it is possible to generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM> by regulating deformation of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by the restraint body <NUM>. In the four restraint bodies 118e, 118f, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the sixth embodiment, a whole of the four restraint bodies 118e, 118f, <NUM>, and <NUM> are at different locations in the axis N direction and the number of windings (number of rotations) is one rotation or more, and thus, the four restraint bodies 118e, 118f, <NUM>, and <NUM> include a position in which the portions in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM> are different from each other. Therefore, even with the restraint bodies 118e, 118f, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the sixth embodiment, the deformation of the ventricle formation member <NUM> is regulated to generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a heart model 110F of a seventh embodiment. In <FIG>, only the ventricle formation member <NUM> and restraint bodies 119a, 119b, 119c, and 119d of the heart model 110F are illustrated, and the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> and the coronary artery model <NUM> are not illustrated. The heart model 110F of the seventh embodiment is different from the heart model <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first embodiment in configuration of the restraint body, the number thereof, and the number of windings thereof. In the heart model 110F of the seventh embodiment, the four restraint bodies <NUM> (119a, 119b, 119c, and 119d) are arranged outside the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Each of the restraint bodies <NUM> has a configuration where the restraint body <NUM> spirally wind on about half of the circumference on the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. The four restraint bodies <NUM> are arranged side by side at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Each of the four restraint bodies <NUM> is an elongated balloon-shaped member having an inner cavity, and is formed of a natural rubber or a resin. In the restraint body <NUM>, an opening communicating with the inner cavity is connected to the proximal end 115p of the tubular body <NUM>. The four restraint bodies <NUM> can be expanded and contracted by a fluid being supplied and suctioned through the tubular body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a state of the ventricle formation member <NUM> and the restraint body <NUM> when the restraint body <NUM> is expanded. When the inner cavity of the restraint body <NUM> is pressurized, the outer shape of the restraint body <NUM> bears a resemblance to a linear shape from a spiral shape. At this time, the ventricle formation member <NUM> follows the deformation of the restraint body <NUM>, and a relative position of the ventricle formation member <NUM> between the heart base portion <NUM> side and the heart apex portion <NUM> side is displaced, causing a twist. When the restraint body <NUM> is contracted, the outer shape of the restraint body <NUM> again bears a resemblance to the spiral shape again from the linear shape. At this time, the ventricle formation member <NUM> follows the restraint body <NUM> returning to the spiral shape, and the twist is eliminated.

According to the above-described heart model 110F of the seventh embodiment, the restraint body is not limited to the member that regulates the deformation of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. For example, as in the heart model 110F of the seventh embodiment, the restraint body <NUM> may include the inner cavity, and generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM> by pressurizing the inner cavity. With such a configuration, it is possible to generate a twist during expansion and contraction with a simple configuration as in the heart model 110F.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a heart model <NUM> of an eighth embodiment. The heart model <NUM> of the eighth embodiment is different from the heart model <NUM> of the first embodiment (<FIG>) in that the former does not include the ventricle formation member <NUM>. In the heart model <NUM> of the eighth embodiment, a hollow simulated ventricle 113lum is formed inside the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>. That is, in the eighth embodiment, the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> also functions as a ventricle formation member. The simulated ventricle 113lum communicates with the tubular body <NUM>, and can expand and contract by a fluid being supplied and suctioned through the tubular body <NUM>. The restraint body <NUM> is arranged inside the simulated ventricle 113lum. The restraint body <NUM> has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and is formed by a clockwise spiral wire. The restraint body <NUM> is entirely in contact with an inner surface of the simulated ventricle 113lum to fix a whole of the restraint body <NUM>. According to the configuration, when the simulated ventricle 113lum is expanded, it is possible to further regulate the uniform expansion of the simulated ventricle 113lum by the restraint body <NUM>. This allows the heart model <NUM> to generate a twist during expansion and contraction.

According to the above-described heart model <NUM> of the eighth embodiment, the heart model need not include the ventricle formation member <NUM>. For example, as in the heart model <NUM> of the eighth embodiment, even when the restraint body <NUM> is arranged in the simulated ventricle 113lum formed by the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>, it is possible to further regulate the uniform expansion of the simulated ventricle 113lum by the restraint body <NUM> when the simulated ventricle 113lum is expanded. As described above, even with a simple configuration as in the heart model <NUM>, it is possible to generate a twist during expansion and contraction.

The following modifications can be applied, for example.

<FIG> are diagrams each explaining a heart model of a first modification. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>, the ventricle formation member <NUM>, and the restraint body <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first embodiment. A left side of <FIG> illustrates the simulated ventricle 117lum inside the ventricle formation member <NUM>. It is assumed that the restraint body <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first embodiment is entirely in contact with the ventricle formation member <NUM>. However, as in a heart model <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, at least a portion of the restraint body <NUM> may not be in contact with the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Even in this case, the restraint body <NUM> can generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM> when the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded.

Further, the restraint body <NUM> of the first embodiment is assumed to be formed by a wire having a circular cross section. However, the cross section of the restraint body <NUM> is not limited to a circular shape and may have any shape. For example, as in a heart model 110J illustrated in <FIG>, the cross section of a restraint body 118J may be semicircular. Further, as in a heart model <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, a restraint body <NUM> is hollow and may have a rectangular cross section.

Further, it is assumed that the restraint body <NUM> of the first embodiment is formed of a material different from that of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. However, the restraint body <NUM> may be formed of the same material as the ventricle formation member <NUM>, or may be integrally formed with the ventricle formation member <NUM>. For example, as in a heart model <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, a spiral protrusion 117pro may be formed on the surface of a ventricle formation member <NUM>. Even in this case, when the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded, there is a difference in deformation amount (level of expansion and deformation) between a portion with the protrusion 117pro and a portion without the protrusion 117pro, and thus, a twist can be generated in the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Further, as in a heart model <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, instead of the restraint body, a spiral recess 117re may be formed on the surface of a ventricle formation member <NUM>. Even in this case, when the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded, there is a difference in deformation amount between a portion formed with the recess 117re and a portion without the recess 117re, and thus, a twist can be generated in the ventricle formation member <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams each explaining a heart model of a second modification. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>, the simulated ventricle 113lum, and the restraint body <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> (<FIG>) of the eighth embodiment. A left side of <FIG> illustrates the simulated ventricle 113lum inside the ventricle formation member <NUM>. It is assumed that the restraint body <NUM> (<FIG>) of the eighth embodiment is entirely in contact with the inner surface of the simulated ventricle 113lum. However, as in a heart model 110N illustrated in <FIG>, a part of the restraint body <NUM>, rather than a whole of the restraint body <NUM>, may be contacted and/or fixed to the inner surface of the simulated ventricle 113lum. Even in this case, the restraint body <NUM> can generate a twist in the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> when the simulated ventricle 113lum is expanded.

Further, it is assumed that the restraint body <NUM> of the eighth embodiment is formed by a wire having a circular cross section. However, the cross section of the restraint body <NUM> is not limited to a circular shape and may have any shape. For example, as in a heart model 110P illustrated in <FIG>, a cross section of a restraint body 118P may be semicircular. Further, as in a heart model 110Q illustrated in <FIG>, a restraint body 118Q is hollow and may have a rectangular cross section.

Further, it is assumed that the restraint body <NUM> of the eighth embodiment is formed of a member different from the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>. However, the restraint body <NUM> may be formed of the same member as the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>, or may be integrally formed with the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>. For example, as in a heart model 110R illustrated in <FIG>, a spiral protrusion 113pro may be formed on the inner surface of a cardiac muscle formation member 113R. Even in this case, when the cardiac muscle formation member 113R is expanded, there is a difference in deformation amount (level of expansion and deformation) between a portion with the protrusion 113pro and a portion without the protrusion 113pro, and thus, a twist can be generated in the cardiac muscle formation member 113R. Further, as in a heart model <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, instead of the restraint body, a spiral recess 113re may be formed on the surface of cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>. Even in this case, when the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM> is expanded, there is a difference in deformation amount between a portion formed with the recess 113re and a portion without the recess 113re, and thus, a twist can be generated in the cardiac muscle formation member <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the restraint body <NUM> is partially fixed to the ventricle formation member <NUM> at the fixation portion FP. However, a whole of the restraint body <NUM> may or may not be fixed to the ventricle formation member <NUM>. Even in these cases, the restraint body <NUM> can generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM> when the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded.

In the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth embodiments, the restraint body <NUM> has a clockwise spiral shape. However, the restraint body <NUM> may have a counterclockwise spiral shape. Even in this case, the restraint body <NUM> can generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM> when the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded. It is noted that with a clockwise spiral shape, the restraint body <NUM> bears a stronger resemblance to a twist of an actual heart, and thus, a clockwise spiral shape is preferable. Further, the restraint body <NUM> is spirally arranged from the heart base portion <NUM> toward the heart apex portion <NUM> on the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM>. However, the restraint body <NUM> may be arranged spirally toward other directions. Even in this case, the restraint body <NUM> can generate a twist in the ventricle formation member <NUM> when the ventricle formation member <NUM> is expanded. When arranged spirally from the heart base portion <NUM> toward the heart apex portion <NUM> on the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM>, the restraint body <NUM> bears a stronger resemblance to a twist of the actual heart, and thus, this arrangement is preferable.

The restraint body <NUM> illustrated in the first to seventh embodiments is an example, and the shape of the restraint body <NUM> is not limited thereto. If, on the surface of the ventricle formation member <NUM>, the restraint body <NUM> may suffice to include a portion in which positions in the axis N direction are different and a position in which the portions in the circumferential direction of the ventricle formation member <NUM> are different, any shape other than the shape illustrated in the first to seventh embodiments may be acceptable. It is noted that when the heart apex portion <NUM> is viewed from the heart base portion <NUM>, the restraint body <NUM> can generate a strain similar to the heart if the restraint body <NUM> surrounds the outside of the ventricle formation member <NUM> by <NUM> degrees or more. It is noted that it is preferable that the restraint body <NUM> surrounds the same by <NUM> degrees or more.

Claim 1:
A heart model (<NUM>,110A-H,J-N,P-S), comprising:
a ventricle formation portion (<NUM>) forming a simulated ventricle and being deformable so that the simulated ventricle expands and contracts; and
a twist generation portion (<NUM>,<NUM>) being provided outside of the simulated ventricle and having a spiral outer shape, the twist generation portion regulating deformation of the ventricle formation portion to generate a twist in the ventricle formation portion when the simulated ventricle expands, characterized by,
the twist generation portion (<NUM>,<NUM>) is formed of a hollow wire formed of a material having higher rigidity than the ventricle formation portion (<NUM>).