Patent Description:
Medical devices such as catheters are used for low invasive treatments or examinations of living-body lumens such as the circulatory system and the digestive system. For example, Patent Literature <NUM>, Patent Literature <NUM>, Patent Literature <NUM>, and Patent Literature <NUM> disclose simulators (a simulated human body or a simulated blood vessel) with which an operator such as a medical practitioner can simulate procedures using these medical devices. Further, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a vascular model with which an operator such as a medical practitioner can simulate procedures using medical devices. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses an artificial blood vessel which can be used as a vascular graft for replacing a pathologically deteriorated blood vessel.

When treatment or examination is performed using a catheter and the like, angiography may be used in order to determine hemodynamics such as blood flow velocity and blood viscosity or an occluded state of a blood vessel. In angiography, a contrast agent with low radiolucency is injected through a catheter inserted into a blood vessel to perform radiography. An operator can determine hemodynamics and vascular conditions by investigating changed contrast in the resulting X-ray images (still pictures or video images, which may also be referred to as "cineradiographic images") to elucidate how the contrast agent flows.

For this reason, the flow of a contrast agent in a simulator (a simulated human body or a simulated blood vessel) needs to be as similar as possible to the actual flow in the living body. With regard to this, in a simulated human body described in Patent Literature <NUM> where a simulated left coronary artery and a simulated right coronary artery are connected to a reservoir space inside a heart model, a contrast agent is diluted in the reservoir space. However, the technology described in Patent Literature <NUM>, in which a contrast agent is diluted in the reservoir space inside the heart model, has a problem in that the course of dense-staining of the myocardium which can be observed in X-ray images of the actual human body can not be reproduced. Further, the technology described in Patent Literature <NUM> has a problem in that dilution of a highly concentrated contrast agent is time-consuming. Moreover, in a simulator described in Patent Literature <NUM>, a contrast agent is directed to a flow path formed to have a shape which simulates a vein. However, the technology described in Patent Literature <NUM> has a problem in that a highly concentrated contrast agent may flow into a flow path without being diluted, resulting in images which do not reflect actual conditions depending on observation angles. Further, technologies described in Patent Literature <NUM>, Patent Literature <NUM>, Patent Literature <NUM>, and Patent Literature <NUM> do not even consider use of a contrast agent. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a composition comprising a biocompatible, bioresorbable synthetic layer, wherein said synthetic layer comprises an element for adhesion to a blood vessel tissue cell, wherein said synthetic layer provides a scaffold for guiding tissue formation, and wherein said synthetic layer adheres to an inner surface of a blood vessel. Patent Literature <NUM> relates to a catheter simulator and an imaging method for a catheter simulator.

The present invention is made in order to solve at least partially the aforementioned problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a vascular model and an organ simulator in which X-ray images to be obtained during use of a contrast agent can be similar to those to be observed in the actual living body.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Further aspects are disclosed in the subclaims. The present invention is made in order to solve at least partially the above problems, and can be implemented according to the following aspects.

It is noted that the present invention can be implemented according to various aspects. For example, it can be implemented according to the following aspects: a vascular model simulating a cardiac blood vessel, a liver blood vessel, a cerebral blood vessel, or the like; an organ model simulating an organ such as heart, liver, and brain; an organ simulator including the vascular model and the organ model; a human body simulating apparatus including at least a part thereof, and a method of controlling the human body simulating apparatus; and the like.

<FIG> and <FIG> show schematic configurations of a human body simulating apparatus <NUM>. The human body simulating apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be used to simulate procedures for treating or examining living-body lumens such as the circulatory system, the digestive system, and the respiratory system of the human body using medical devices. The term "medical device" as used herein means a device, such as a catheter and a guide wire, for low invasive treatment or examination. The human body simulating apparatus <NUM> includes a model <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, a pulsing unit <NUM>, a pulsating unit <NUM>, and a respiratory movement unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the model <NUM> includes a heart model <NUM> simulating the human heart, a lung model <NUM> simulating the lung, a diaphragm model <NUM> simulating the diaphragm, a brain model <NUM> simulating the brain, a liver model <NUM> simulating the liver, a lower-limb model <NUM> simulating the lower limbs, and an aortic model <NUM> simulating the 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 model <NUM> may also be collectively called a "biological model. " The heart model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, and the lower-limb model <NUM> may also be collectively called an "organ model. " The lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> may also be collectively called a "respiratory-organ model. " The biological models except for the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> (that is, the organ models) are each connected to the aortic model <NUM>. The model <NUM> will be described in detail below.

The housing <NUM> includes a tank <NUM> and a cover <NUM>. The tank <NUM> is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped tank having an opening at the top. As shown in <FIG>, the model <NUM> is placed on the bottom of the tank <NUM> which has been filled with a fluid to immerse the model <NUM> under the fluid. According to the present embodiment, water (liquid) is used as the fluid to maintain the model <NUM> in a wet condition as in the actual human body. It is noted that other liquids (for example, physiological saline, aqueous solutions of any compounds, and the like) may be used as the fluid. The fluid filled in the tank <NUM> will be uptaken into the inside of the aortic model <NUM> and others of the model <NUM> to function as a "blood simulate" which simulates blood.

The cover <NUM> is a plate-shaped member for covering the opening of the tank <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can function as a wave-cancelling plate by placing the cover <NUM> so that one surface of the cover <NUM> is brought into contact with the fluid while the other is exposed to the air. This can prevent decreased visibility due to waving of the fluid inside the tank <NUM>. The tank <NUM> and the cover <NUM> according to the present embodiment, which are formed with a radiolucent and highly transparent synthetic resin (for example, acrylic resin), can improve the visibility of the model <NUM> from the outside. It is noted that the tank <NUM> and the cover <NUM> may be formed with another synthetic resin, or may be formed with different materials.

The control unit <NUM> includes CPU, ROM, RAM, and a storage unit, and can control operations of the pulsing unit <NUM>, the pulsating unit <NUM>, and the respiratory movement unit <NUM> by deploying and running a computer program stored in the ROM in the RAM. The input unit <NUM> may be an interface of any kind used for a user to input information into the human body simulating apparatus <NUM>. The input unit <NUM> may be, for example, a touch screen, a keyboard, an operation button, an operation dial, a microphone, or the like. Hereinafter, a touch screen is used as an illustrative example of the input unit <NUM>.

The pulsing unit <NUM> is a "fluid supplying unit" which can discharge a pulsed fluid to the aortic model <NUM>. Specifically, the pulsing unit <NUM> can circulate and pass a fluid in the tank <NUM> through the aortic model <NUM> of the model <NUM> as indicated by the open arrow in <FIG>. The pulsing unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment include a filter <NUM>, a circulation pump <NUM>, and a pulsing pump <NUM>. The filter <NUM> is connected to an opening <NUM> of the tank <NUM> through a tubular body <NUM>. The filter <NUM> can filter a fluid passing through the filter <NUM> to remove impurities (for example, a contrast agent used during procedures) in the fluid. The circulation pump <NUM> may be, for example, a non-positive displacement centrifugal pump, and can circulate a fluid coming from the tank <NUM> through the tubular body <NUM> at a constant flow rate.

The pulsing pump <NUM> may be, for example, a positive-displacement reciprocating pump, and can add a pulse to the fluid discharged from the circulation pump <NUM>. The pulsing pump <NUM> is connected to the aortic model <NUM> of the model <NUM> through a tubular body <NUM> (<FIG>). Therefore, a fluid discharged from the pulsing pump <NUM> is passed to the inner cavity of the aortic model <NUM>. It is noted that a rotary pump operated at a low speed may be used as the pulsing pump <NUM> instead of a reciprocating pump. Further, the filter <NUM> and the circulation pump <NUM> may be omitted. The tubular body <NUM> and the tubular body <NUM> are flexible tubes formed with a synthetic resin (for example, silicone and the like) of a radiolucent soft material.

The pulsating unit <NUM> can cause the heart model <NUM> to pulsate. Specifically, the pulsating unit <NUM> can expand the heart model <NUM> by discharging a fluid into the inner cavity of the heart model <NUM>, and can contract the heart model <NUM> by withdrawing the fluid from the inner cavity of the heart model <NUM> as indicated by the hatched arrow in <FIG>. The pulsating unit <NUM> can repeat these discharging and withdrawing operations to create pulsating movements (expansion and contraction movements) of heart model <NUM>. A fluid which can be used with the pulsating unit <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as an "expansion medium") may be a liquid like a blood simulate, or may be, for example, a gas such as air. An expansion medium is preferably an organic solvent such as benzene and ethanol or a radiolucent liquid such as water. The pulsating unit <NUM> may be implemented by using, for example, a positive-displacement reciprocating pump. The pulsating unit <NUM> is connected to the aortic model <NUM> of the model <NUM> through a tubular body <NUM> (<FIG>). The tubular body <NUM> is a flexible tube formed with a synthetic resin (for example, silicone and the like) of a radiolucent soft material.

The respiratory movement unit <NUM> enables the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> to simulate respiratory movements. Specifically, the respiratory movement unit <NUM> can discharge a fluid to an inner cavity of the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> as indicated by the dot-hatched arrow in <FIG> to expand the lung model <NUM> and contract the diaphragm model <NUM>. Further, the respiratory movement unit <NUM> can withdraw a 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 unit <NUM> can repeat these discharging and withdrawing operations to generate respiratory movements of the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM>. A fluid which can be used with the respiratory movement unit <NUM> may be a liquid like a blood simulate, or may be, for example, a gas such as air. The respiratory movement unit <NUM> can be implemented by using, for example, a positive-displacement reciprocating pump. The respiratory movement unit <NUM> is connected to the lung model <NUM> of the model <NUM> through a tubular body <NUM>, and connected to the diaphragm model <NUM> through a tubular body <NUM> (<FIG>). The tubular bodies <NUM>, <NUM> are flexible tubes formed with a synthetic resin (for example, silicone and the like) of a radiolucent soft material.

<FIG> shows a schematic configuration of the aortic model <NUM>. The aortic model <NUM> is composed of components which simulate those of the human aorta, i.e., an ascending aorta portion <NUM> which simulates the ascending aorta, an aortic arch portion <NUM> which simulates the aortic arch, an abdominal aorta portion <NUM> which simulates the abdominal aorta, and a common iliac aorta portion <NUM> which simulates the common iliac aorta.

The aortic model <NUM> includes a second connection portion 161J for connection with the heart model <NUM> at an end portion of the ascending aorta portion <NUM>. Similarly, it includes a first connection portion 162J for connection with the brain model <NUM> in the vicinity of the aortic arch portion <NUM>, a third connection portion 163Ja for connection with the liver model <NUM> in the vicinity of the abdominal aorta portion <NUM>, and a pair of fourth connection portions 164J for connection with the right and left lower-limb models <NUM>, respectively, at an end portion of the common iliac aorta portion <NUM>. It is noted that the second connection portion 161J may be arranged at the ascending aorta portion <NUM> or in the vicinity thereof, and the fourth connection portions 164J may be arranged at the common iliac aorta part <NUM> or in the vicinity thereof. Hereinafter, the first to fourth connection portions 161J to 164J may also be collectively called a "biological-model connection portion. " Further, the aortic model <NUM> includes a fluid supplying unit connection portion 163Jb for connection with the pulsing unit <NUM> in the vicinity of the abdominal aorta portion <NUM>. It is noted that the fluid supplying unit connection portion 163Jb may be arranged at any location including in the vicinity of the ascending aorta portion <NUM>, in the vicinity of the cerebral vascular model <NUM> (for example, the common carotid artery), and the like, but not limited to the abdominal aorta portion <NUM>. Further, the aortic model <NUM> may include a plurality of fluid supplying unit connection portions 163Jb arranged at different locations.

Further, an inner cavity <NUM> is formed inside the aortic model <NUM>. The inner cavity <NUM> has an opening for each of the aforementioned biological-model connection portions and fluid supplying unit connection portion (the first connection portion 162J, the second connection portion 161J, the third connection portion 163Ja, the pair of fourth connection portions 164J, and the fluid supplying unit connection portion 163Jb). The inner cavity <NUM> can function as a flow path for transporting a blood simulate (a fluid) passed from the pulsing unit <NUM> to the heart model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, and the lower-limb models <NUM>.

The aortic model <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be formed with a synthetic resin (for example, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), silicone, and the like) of a radiolucent soft material. In particular, use of PVA is preferred in that the hydrophilicity of PVA enables a user to feel the aortic model <NUM> immersed under a liquid as if it were the actual human aorta in the body.

The aortic model <NUM> may be produced, for example, as follows. First, a mold is prepared which simulates the shape of the human aorta. The mold may be produced by, for example, 3D-printing using data of the aorta in the human model data generated by analyzing images from CT (Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of a human body. The model may be of gypsum, metal, or resin. Next, a liquefied synthetic resin material may be applied on the inner surface the model prepared. After cooled and cured, the synthetic resin material is demolded. In this way, the aortic model <NUM> having the inner cavity <NUM> can easily be produced.

<FIG> and <FIG> shows a schematic configuration of the model <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the heart model <NUM> has a shape simulating the heart, and has an inner cavity <NUM> formed thereinside. The heart model <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be formed with a synthetic resin (for example, silicone and the like) of a radiolucent soft material, and may be produced by applying a synthetic resin material on the inner surface of a mold prepared based on human body data, and then demolding it as in the aortic model <NUM>. Further, the heart model <NUM> includes a tubular body <NUM>, and is connected to a cardiovascular model <NUM>. The cardiovascular model <NUM> is a tubular vascular model which simulates a part of the ascending aorta and the coronary artery, and may be formed with a synthetic resin (for example, PVA, silicone, and the like) of a radiolucent soft material. The tubular body <NUM> is a flexible tube formed with a synthetic resin (for example, silicone and the like) of a radiolucent soft material. The tubular body <NUM> is connected so that a distal end 115D is in communication with the inner cavity <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>, and a proximal end 115P is in communication with the tubular body <NUM> leading to the pulsating unit <NUM>.

The lung models <NUM> each have a shape which simulate either the right or left lung, and have one inner cavity <NUM> formed thereinside which is in communication with the right lung and the left lung. The lung models <NUM> are arranged so as to cover the right and left sides of the heart model <NUM>. The lung models <NUM> may be produced using a similar material and method as in the heart model <NUM>. The lung models <NUM> may be made of the same material as the heart model <NUM>, or may be made of different materials. Further, the lung model <NUM> is connected to a tracheal model <NUM> which is tubular, and simulates a part of the trachea. The tracheal model <NUM> may be produced using a similar material as the tubular body <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The tracheal model <NUM> may be made of the same material as the tubular body <NUM>, or may be made of a different material. The tracheal model <NUM> is connected so that a distal end 121D is in communication with the inner cavity <NUM> of the lung model <NUM>, and a proximal end 121P is in communication with the tubular body <NUM> leading to the respiratory movement unit <NUM>.

The diaphragm model <NUM> has a shape which simulates the diaphragm, and has an inner cavity <NUM> formed thereinside. The diaphragm model <NUM> is arranged below the heart model <NUM> (in other words, arranged at the opposite side of the brain model <NUM> across the heart model <NUM>). The diaphragm model <NUM> may be produced using a similar material and method as in the heart model <NUM>. The diaphragm model <NUM> may be made of the same material as the heart model <NUM>, or may be made of a different material. Further, the tubular body <NUM> leading to the respiratory movement unit <NUM> is connected to the diaphragm model <NUM> so that the inner cavity <NUM> of the diaphragm model <NUM> is in communication with an inner cavity of the tubular body <NUM>.

The brain model <NUM> has a shape which simulates the brain, and is configured to be solid without having an inner cavity. The brain model <NUM> is arranged above the heart model <NUM> (in other words, arranged at the opposite side of the diaphragm model <NUM> across the heart model <NUM>). The brain model <NUM> may be produced using a similar material and method as in the heart model <NUM>. The brain model <NUM> may be made of the same material as the heart model <NUM>, or may be made of a different material. Further, the brain model <NUM> is connected to the cerebral vascular model <NUM> which is a tubular vascular model simulating at least a part of the main arteries including a pair of the right and left vertebral arteries from a pair of the right and left common carotid arteries. The cerebral vascular model <NUM> may be produced using a similar material as the cardiovascular model <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The cerebral vascular model <NUM> may be made of the same material as the cardiovascular model <NUM>, or may be made of a different material. Further, although not shown, the cerebral vascular model <NUM> may simulate not only an artery but also a major vein including the superior cerebral vein and the straight sinus.

It is noted that the brain model <NUM> may be a complex further including a bone model which simulates the human cranium and cervical vertebrae. For example, a cranium model may have a hard resin case simulating the parietal bone, temporal bone, occipital bone, and sphenoid bone; and a lid simulating the frontal bone. A cervical vertebrae model may have a plurality of rectangular resin bodies each having a through-hole thereinside through which a vascular model can pass. When included, the bone model may be produced with a resin having a hardness different from an organ model such as a vascular model and a brain model. For example, the cranium model may be produced with acrylic resin while a cervical vertebrae model may be produced with PVA.

The cerebral vascular model <NUM> is configured such that a distal end 131D is connected to the brain model <NUM>, and a proximal end 131P is connected to the first connection portion 162J of the aortic model <NUM> (which corresponds to, for example, the brachiocephalic artery, the subclavian artery, or the vicinity thereof in the human body). The distal end 131D of the cerebral vascular model <NUM> may simulate a vertebral artery passing through the vertebrae and a different blood vessel arranged on the surface and/or in the inside of the brain model <NUM> (for example, the posterior cerebral artery, the middle cerebral artery), or may further simulate the posterior communicating artery, and be connected to a peripheral portion of the common carotid artery. Further, the proximal end 131P of the cerebral vascular model <NUM> is connected to the first connection portion 162J so that an inner cavity of the cerebral vascular model <NUM> is in communication with the inner cavity <NUM> of the aortic model <NUM>.

The liver model <NUM> has a shape which simulates the liver, and is configured to be solid without having an inner cavity. The liver model <NUM> is arranged below the diaphragm model <NUM>. The liver model <NUM> may be produced using a similar material and method as in the heart model <NUM>. The liver model <NUM> may be made of the same material as the heart model <NUM>, or may be made of a different material. Further, the liver model <NUM> is connected to a hepatic vascular model <NUM> which is a tubular vascular model simulating a part of the hepatic blood vessel. The hepatic vascular model <NUM> may be produced using a similar material as the cardiovascular model <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The hepatic vascular model <NUM> may be made of the same material as the cardiovascular model <NUM>, or may be made of a different material.

The hepatic vascular model <NUM> is configured so that a distal end 141D is connected to the liver model <NUM>, and a proximal end 141P is connected to the third connection portion 163Ja of the aortic model <NUM>. The distal end 141D of the hepatic vascular model <NUM> may simulate a different blood vessel arranged on the surface and/or the inside of the liver model <NUM> (for example, the hepatic artery). Further, the proximal end 141P of the hepatic vascular model <NUM> is connected to the third connection portion 163Ja so that an inner cavity of the hepatic vascular model <NUM> is in communication with the inner cavity <NUM> of the aortic model <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower-limb model <NUM> includes a lower-limb model 150R for the right leg and a lower-limb model <NUM> for the left leg. The lower-limb models 150R and <NUM>, which have the same configuration except for constructive symmetry, hereinafter shall be described interchangeably as "the lower-limb model <NUM>. " The lower-limb model <NUM> has a shape which simulates at least a part of the major tissues such as quadriceps and crural tibialis anterior muscle in the thigh, peroneus longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscle, and is configured to be solid without having an inner cavity. The lower-limb model <NUM> may be produced using a similar material and method as in the heart model <NUM>. The lower-limb model <NUM> may be made of the same material as the heart model <NUM>, or may be made of a different material. Further, the lower-limb model <NUM> is connected to a lower-limb vascular model <NUM> (the lower limb vascular models 151R, <NUM>) which is a tubular vascular model simulating at least a part of the main artery from a femoral artery to the dorsalis pedis artery. The lower-limb vascular model <NUM> may be produced using a similar material as the cardiovascular model <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The lower-limb vascular model <NUM> may be made of the same material as the cardiovascular model <NUM>, or may be made of a different material. Further, the lower-limb vascular model <NUM> may simulate not only arteries but also the main vein from the common iliac vein to the great saphenous vein although not shown.

The lower-limb vascular model <NUM> is arranged so as to extend through the inside of the lower-limb model <NUM> in the extending direction from the thigh toward the side of the crus. The lower-limb vascular model <NUM> is configured such that a distal end 151D is exposed at a lower end (which corresponds to a portion from the tarsal portion to the acrotarsium portion) of the lower-limb model <NUM>, and a proximal end 151P is connected to the fourth connection portion 164J of the aortic model <NUM>. Here, the proximal end 151P is connected to the fourth connection portion 164J so that an inner cavity of the lower-limb vascular model <NUM> is in communication with the inner cavity <NUM> of the aortic model <NUM>.

It is noted that the cardiovascular model <NUM>, the cerebral vascular model <NUM>, the hepatic vascular model <NUM>, and the lower-limb vascular model <NUM> as described above may also be collectively called a "vascular model. " Further, these vascular models and the aortic model <NUM> may also be collectively called a "systemic vascular model. " These configurations enable a vascular model arranged on the surface of each biological model to simulate, for example, the posterior cerebral artery on the brain, the left and right coronary arteries on the heart, and the like. Further, these enable a vascular model arranged in the inside of each biological model to simulate, for example, the middle cerebral artery in the brain, the hepatic artery in the liver, the femoral artery in the lower limb, and the like.

In the human body simulating apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment, at least one or more biological models (the heart model <NUM>, the lung model <NUM>, the diaphragm model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, the lower-limb model <NUM>) can be detachably attached to the aortic model <NUM> to configure the model <NUM> according to various aspects. 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>, the lower-limb model <NUM>) to be attached to the aortic model <NUM> can be appropriately selected or changed depending on an organ required for a procedure. For example, the model <NUM> having the heart model <NUM> and the lower-limb model <NUM> attached can be used for simulating a procedure of the TFI (Trans-Femoral Intervention) approach of PCI with the human body simulating apparatus <NUM>. In addition to these, all of the biological models except for the lower-limb model <NUM>, for example, may be attached, or the heart model <NUM> and the lung model <NUM> may be attached, or the lung model <NUM> and the diaphragm model <NUM> may be attached, or the liver model <NUM> alone may be attached, or the lower-limb model <NUM> alone may be attached.

As described above, in the human body simulating apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment, a biological model (the heart model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, the lower-limb model <NUM>) which simulates a part of the inside of the human body may be connected to a biological model connection portion (the first connection portions 162J, the second connection portion 161J, the third connection portion 163Ja, the fourth connection portion 164J) to simulate various procedures using a medical device such as a catheter and a guide wire for a living-body lumen of an organ such as the circulatory system and the digestive system depending on the connected biological model(s). Further, biological models can be detachably attached to the biological model connection portions <NUM>1J to 164J, and thus a biological model which is not used for a procedure may also be removed and stored separately. This can improve convenience.

<FIG> and <FIG> show diagrams of the schematic configurations of an organ simulator <NUM>. The organ simulator <NUM> includes a vascular model as described above (the cardiovascular model <NUM>, the cerebral vascular model <NUM>, the hepatic vascular model <NUM>, the lower-limb vascular model <NUM>) configured as a blood vessel arranged around on the surface of an organ model (the heart model <NUM>, the brain model <NUM>, the liver model <NUM>, the lower-limb model <NUM>), in which the course of dense-staining in X-ray images to be obtained during use of a contrast agent in the vascular model can simulate that observed in the actual human body. Below, an example of the organ simulator <NUM> (a heart simulator) will be described where the cardiovascular model <NUM> is used as a vascular model, and the heart model <NUM> is used as an organ model.

The organ simulator <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes the heart model <NUM>, the cardiovascular model <NUM>, and a fixing member <NUM>. It is noted that the XYZ axes orthogonally intersecting to each other are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The X-axis corresponds to the lateral direction (the width direction) of the heart model <NUM>, and the Y-axis corresponds to the height direction of the heart model <NUM>, and the Z-axis corresponds to the depth direction of the heart model <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper side (the +Y axis direction) corresponds to a "proximal side", and the lower side (the -Y axis direction) corresponds to a "distal side. " In the following descriptions, the proximal side (the +Y axis direction) may also be referred to a "proximal end side," and the end portion of the proximal side may also be referred to a "proximal end portion" or simply a "proximal end. " Similarly, the distal side (the -Y axis direction) may also be referred to a "distal end side," and the end portion of the distal side may also be referred to as a "distal end portion" or simply a "distal end. " In <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner cavity <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>, the tubular body <NUM>, and the first connection portion 162J as described above are not shown.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along the A1-A1 line in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along the A2-A2 line in <FIG>. It is noted that in <FIG> and <FIG>, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the heart model <NUM> having a substantially spherical shape and only one branch (a portion) of the cardiovascular model <NUM> arranged on the surface of the heart model <NUM> are shown for the purpose of illustration.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the configuration of the heart model <NUM> will be described. As shown in <FIG>, the heart model <NUM> has an outer shape which simulates the actual heart. It is noted that the heart model <NUM> according to the present embodiment has a three-layer structure of a balloon <NUM>, a simulated myocardium <NUM>, and a surface layer <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The balloon <NUM> is a spherical body arranged at the innermost of the heart model <NUM>, and has the inner cavity <NUM> thereinside for discharging and withdrawing an expansion medium. The balloon <NUM> can be formed with a rubber having elasticity, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or the like. The simulated myocardium <NUM> is arranged between the balloon <NUM> and the surface layer <NUM>, and covers a surface of the balloon <NUM>. The simulated myocardium <NUM> is formed with a synthetic resin (for example, PVA, silicone, and the like) of a radiolucent soft material. The surface layer <NUM> is arranged at the outermost of the heart model <NUM>, and covers a surface of the simulated myocardium <NUM>. The surface layer <NUM> is a layer of a porous body having a plurality of pores, which may be formed with, for example, a nonwoven fabric such as a nylon nonwoven fabric, or for example, a foam body such as polyurethane foam, polyamide form, polyethylene foam, silicone foam, and rubber sponge.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the configuration of the cardiovascular model <NUM> will be described. As shown in <FIG>, the cardiovascular model <NUM> is arranged on a surface <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The cardiovascular model <NUM> is configured so that a proximal end 111P simulates a part of the ascending aorta, and a distal end 111D simulates either the right or left coronary artery, and has a distal end portion in which a diffusion portion <NUM> is disposed. Hereinafter, a portion simulating the left coronary artery may also be referred to as a left coronary artery model <NUM>, and a portion simulating the right coronary artery may also be referred to as a right coronary artery model 180R in the cardiovascular model <NUM>. Moreover, the left coronary artery model <NUM> and the right coronary artery model 180R may also be collectively referred to as a coronary artery model <NUM>.

The coronary artery model <NUM> has a main branch portion <NUM>, a side branch portion <NUM>, a connection portion <NUM>, and a branched portion <NUM>. The main branch portion <NUM> simulates a main blood vessel among the coronary arteries, and the side branch portion <NUM> simulates a thin blood vessel extending from the main branch portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the main branch portion <NUM> and the side branch portion <NUM> are tubular bodies which have inner cavities <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, and are formed with a synthetic resin (for example, PVA, silicone, and the like) of a radiolucent soft material as described above. In the connection portion <NUM> (<FIG>: a dot-and-dash line), one main branch portion <NUM> and another main branch portion <NUM> are connected so that the inner cavities <NUM> thereof are in communication with each other. This connection can be achieved by various means. For example, the main branch portions <NUM> may be held together with a retainer such as a clip, or the branch portions <NUM> may be fixed together with an adhesive, or the main branch portions <NUM> may be covered with a synthetic resin. In the branched portion <NUM> (<FIG>: a broken line), one main branch portion <NUM> is branched to a plurality of main branch portions <NUM> as in the actual human body.

As indicated by the arrows in <FIG>, a fluid (a blood simulate or a contrast agent) flowing from the inner cavity <NUM> of the cardiovascular model <NUM> bifurcates into the left coronary artery model <NUM> and the right coronary artery model 180R, and is passed through the inner cavities <NUM> of the main branch portions <NUM> toward the distal end side in each of the coronary artery models <NUM>. The fluid flows to the distal end of each of the main branch portions <NUM> and each of the side branch portions <NUM> via the branched portions <NUM> on its way. As described above in the present embodiment, the main branch portions <NUM> and the side branch portions <NUM> each function as a "flow path forming portion" which forms a fluid flow path extending in the extension direction of the cardiovascular model <NUM> (a vascular model).

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the diffusion portion <NUM> will be described. In the cardiovascular model <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the diffusion portion <NUM> is disposed at the distal end portion of each of the main branch portions <NUM> which constitute flow path forming portions. The diffusion portion <NUM> has a solid and substantially column-like shape having a diameter substantially same as that of the corresponding main branch portion <NUM>. The length of the diffusion portion <NUM> in the extension direction (the Y axis direction in <FIG>) may be appropriately selected depending on a desired diffusion performance of a contrast agent. As shown in <FIG>, the diffusion portion <NUM> is arranged so as to face the inner cavity <NUM> (a fluid flow path) of the main branch portion <NUM> at the distal end portion of the main branch portion <NUM>. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the diffusion portion <NUM> is arranged so as to be adjacent to the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The distal end portion of the main branch portion <NUM> and the proximal end portion of the diffusion portion <NUM> are fixed through the fixing member <NUM> described below. It is noted that at least a portion of the diffusion portion <NUM> may be fit into the inner cavity <NUM> of the main branch portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the diffusion portion <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a porous body <NUM> and an elastic body <NUM>. The porous body <NUM> is a porous member having a plurality of pores, which may be formed with, for example, a nonwoven fabric such as a nylon nonwoven fabric, or for example, a foam body such as polyurethane foam, polyamide form, polyethylene foam, silicone foam, and rubber sponge. In the porous body <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the density of the pores is substantially uniform from a proximal end side (the +Y axis direction in <FIG>) through a distal end side (the -Y axis direction in <FIG>). The elastic body <NUM> is an elastic member filled in each of the pores of the porous body <NUM>. Filling of the porous body <NUM> with the elastic body <NUM> can be achieved by, for example, pouring an elastic body material such as liquefied PVA, polyurethane-containing elastomer, and rubber into the porous body <NUM>. Alternatively, the porous body <NUM> may be impregnated with a liquefied elastic body material to achieve filling of the porous body <NUM> with the elastic body <NUM>.

The fixing member <NUM> is a member for fixing various portions of the cardiovascular model <NUM>, i.e., the main branch portion <NUM>, the side branch portion <NUM>, and the diffusion portion <NUM>, to the surface <NUM> (the surface layer <NUM>) of the heart model <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of fixing members <NUM> are disposed in the organ simulator <NUM> according to the present embodiment. The positions and number of the fixing members <NUM> to be disposed may be appropriately selected. However, the fixing members <NUM> are each preferably disposed at the branched portion <NUM> subject to a higher external force and pressure inside of a fluid flow path than other sites, the side branch portion <NUM> located at the distal end of a fluid flow path, and the distal end portion of the main branch portion <NUM> where the diffusion portion <NUM> is disposed. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the fixing member <NUM> according to the present embodiment is disposed so as to cover the entire surface of the cardiovascular model <NUM> (the main branch portion <NUM> in an example shown in the figure) except for a contacting portion with the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The first fixing member <NUM> is formed with a synthetic resin (for example, PVA; silicone; polyurethane; polysaccharides such as carrageenan; and the like) of a radiolucent soft material.

When treatment or examination using a catheter is simulated with the human body simulating apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment, angiography may be used in order to determine hemodynamics such as blood flow velocity and blood viscosity or an occluded state of a blood vessel. Angiography may be performed as follows: a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, for example, from the common iliac aorta portion <NUM> (<FIG>), and delivered to the cardiovascular model <NUM> through the inner cavity <NUM> of the aortic model <NUM>. A low-radiolucent contrast agent is then injected through the catheter to perform radiography. An operator can determine hemodynamics and vascular conditions by investigating changed contrast in the resulting X-ray images (still pictures or video images, which may also be referred to as "cineradiographic images") to elucidate how the contrast agent flows.

Here in the organ simulator <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the cardiovascular model <NUM> (a vascular model) includes the diffusion portion <NUM> formed with the porous body <NUM> and disposed so as to face a fluid flow path (the inner cavity <NUM> of the main branch portion <NUM>) extending in the extension direction of the cardiovascular model <NUM>, the diffusion portion <NUM> being for excreting a fluid (a blood simulate or a contrast agent) flowing through the fluid flow path from the pores of the porous body <NUM> to the outside in a diffused manner. In other words, the diffusion portion <NUM> formed with the porous body <NUM> can function as a diffusive flow path (a buffering flow path) for dispersing the pressure and flow rate of a contrast agent flowing into the fluid flow path. In the cardiovascular model <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the course of dense-staining to be observed in X-ray images of the actual human body (specifically, a way in which a contrast agent spreads along arterioles, and then diffuses over arterioles to disappear) can therefore be simulated in X-ray images to be obtained during use of a contrast agent.

<FIG> is diagram illustrating how the contrast agent CA is diffused. <FIG> show the appearance of the diffusion portion <NUM> when the pressure inside a fluid flow path is low, and <FIG> shows the appearance of the diffusion portion <NUM> when the pressure inside the fluid flow path is high. The pores of the porous body <NUM> in the diffusion portion <NUM> according to the present embodiment are filled with the elastic body <NUM>. This enables the elastic body <NUM> to block each of the pores of the porous body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, for example, while a blood simulate alone circulates through the aortic model <NUM>, and the pressure inside the cardiovascular model <NUM> (the inner cavity <NUM> of the main branch portion <NUM>) is low.

When the pressure inside the cardiovascular model <NUM> (the inner cavity <NUM> of the main branch portion <NUM>) is increased by injecting the contrast agent CA into the cardiovascular model <NUM>, then the elastic body <NUM> can be compressed in the directions indicated by the arrows in the figure, and undergo deformation to create fine gaps between the pores of the porous body <NUM>, thereby opening each of the pores of the porous body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. This enables the contrast agent CA to be excreted through each of the opened pores in a more finely diffused manner. As a result of this, the course of dense-staining in X-ray images to be obtained during use of the contrast agent (diffusing and disappearing images) can simulate the actual human body more closely.

After the injection of the contrast agent CA is completed, the pressure inside the cardiovascular model <NUM> (the inner cavity <NUM> of the main branch portion <NUM>) again becomes low, and the elastic body <NUM> then blocks each of the pores of the porous body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. This can present backflow of a fluid or the contrast agent CA present outside the vascular model into the fluid flow path (the inner cavity <NUM> of the main branch portion <NUM>) through each of the pores of the porous body when the organ simulator <NUM> and the cardiovascular model <NUM> (a vascular model) are used, for example, under a wet condition where the organ simulator <NUM> and the cardiovascular model <NUM> are immersed into a fluid (water, physiological saline, and the like).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating how the contrast agent CAis diffused. The diffusion portion <NUM> according to the present embodiment is arranged so as to be adjacent to the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> (an organ model). This can direct the contrast agent CA excreted to the outside through the diffusion portion <NUM> to the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Here, the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>, which is formed with the porous body, can function as a diffusive flow path (a buffering flow path) for further dispersing the pressure and flow rate of the incoming contrast agent CA. The organ simulator <NUM> according to the present embodiment where the contrast agent CA is diffused and excreted at both the diffusion portion <NUM> of the cardiovascular model <NUM> (a vascular model) and the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> enables the contrast agent CA to be diffused and excreted in a more finely diffused manner, and also enables the course of dense-staining in X-ray images to be obtained during use of the contrast agent to simulate the actual body more closely.

Further, in the organ simulator <NUM> according to the present embodiment where the diffusion portion <NUM> is disposed at the distal end portion of the flow path forming portion (the main branch portion <NUM> of a tubular body), the course of dense-staining in X-ray images to be obtained during use of a contrast agent can be simulated by the distal end portion of the fluid flow path (the inner cavity <NUM> of the main branch portion <NUM>). Further, according to the organ simulator <NUM>, the cardiovascular model <NUM> (a vascular model) can be fixed to the surface <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> (an organ model) through the fixing member <NUM>. Therefore, the heart model <NUM> and the cardiovascular model <NUM> can be maintained in a desired relative position.

Moreover, the organ simulator <NUM> according to the present embodiment can provide an organ simulator in which the cardiovascular model <NUM> (a vascular model) is configured as a blood vessel arranged around on the surface of the heart model <NUM> (an organ model). The cardiovascular model <NUM> is to be arranged on the surface <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. This can improve the degree of freedom for designing the heart model <NUM>. For example, the inner cavity <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> may be used for a different purpose other than the purpose for diffusing a contrast agent, or the heart model <NUM> may be configured to be solid. Further, the heart model <NUM> can pulsate as in the actual human body by virtue of the pulsating unit <NUM> for discharging and withdrawing an expansion medium to and from the inner cavity <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> in the organ simulator <NUM> according to the present embodiment. This enables the course of dense-staining in X-ray images to be obtained during use of a contrast agent to simulate the actual living body much more closely, and also improve user's feeling of operations of the organ simulator <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of a diffusion portion 186a according to a second embodiment. In the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG>, the diffusion portion <NUM> is solid and has a substantially column-like shape. However, the diffusion portion 186a according to the second embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape with a closed bottom in which a portion at the proximal end side (the +Y axis direction) in contact with the main branch portion <NUM> is hollow, and a portion at the distal end side (the -Y axis direction) is solid in the extension direction (the Y axis direction). As described above, the shape of the diffusion portion 186a can be altered in an appropriate manner. Any shape may be used such as a substantially polygonal column-like shape other than the substantially column-like shape and the substantially cylindrical shape. The organ simulator 100a according to the second embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first embodiment.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of an organ simulator 100b according to a third embodiment. In <FIG>, the fixing member <NUM> is not shown for the purpose of illustration. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along the B-B line in <FIG>. In the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG>, the main branch portion <NUM> is a tubular body, and the diffusion portion <NUM> is arranged so as to face the inner cavity <NUM> (a fluid flow path) of the main branch portion <NUM> at the distal end portion of the main branch portion <NUM>. In contrast, a main branch portion 181b according to the third embodiment is a groove body with a substantially semi-cylindrical shape extending in the extension direction of the cardiovascular model <NUM> (<FIG>) and having an opening SP formed at about half of a circumferential direction (<FIG>). Further, the diffusion portion 186b is a groove body with a substantially semi-cylindrical shape extending in the extension direction of the cardiovascular model <NUM> (<FIG>) and having an opening formed at about half of a circumferential direction (<FIG>) as in the main branch portion 181b.

As shown in <FIG>, the diffusion portion 186b is arranged so as to be adjacent to the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The main branch portion 181b is arranged so as to cover the diffusion portion 186b, and the main branch portion 181b as a groove body is arranged so as to abut on the diffusion portion 186b through their end faces to form a cylindrical structure. The fixing member <NUM> fixes the main branch portion 181b and the diffusion portion 186b. In the third embodiment, the inner cavity formed by the main branch portion 181b and the diffusion portion 186b functions as a fluid flow path. That is, the diffusion portion 186b as well as the main branch portion 181b can function as a flow path forming portion in the third embodiment. The organ simulator 100b according to the third embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first embodiment. Further, in the organ simulator 100b according to the third embodiment, the diffusion portion 186b is disposed so as to face the opening of the main branch portion 181b (a groove body) serving as a flow path forming portion. Therefore, the course of dense-staining in X-ray images to be obtained during use of a contrast agent can be simulated by the entire region of the fluid flow path as shown in <FIG>.

The organ simulator 100b according to the third embodiment further includes a coat layer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the coat layer <NUM> is a coating applied on the bottom of the diffusion portion 186b serving as a flow path forming portion. As the coat layer <NUM>, a synthetic resin (for example, PVA, silicone, urethane, and the like) having radiolucency and high lubricity (slidability) is preferably used. It is noted that the coat layer <NUM> may be disposed on at least a portion of a fluid flow path, for example, may be disposed on at least a portion other than the bottom of the diffusion portion 186b, or on the entire circumference of an inner cavity (a fluid flow path) defined by the diffusion portions 186b and the main branch portions 181b. Further, a through-hole (that is, a non-coating portion) for improving diffusion and excretion performance of a contrast agent from the diffusion portion 186b to the surface layer <NUM> may be disposed at the coat layer <NUM>. The through-hole may have any shape such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, and a slit-like shape.

According to the above configuration, at least a portion of the fluid flow path extending in the extension direction of the cardiovascular model <NUM> (a vascular model) is coated with the coat layer <NUM> at the flow path forming portion (the diffusion portion 186b, the main branch portion 181b). This enables the sliding resistance in the fluid flow path to simulate the actual living body (a blood vessel) more closely, and enables a medical device to smoothly move forward through the fluid flow path.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of an organ simulator 100c according to a fourth embodiment. In <FIG>, the fixing member <NUM> is not shown for the purpose of illustration. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along the C-C line in <FIG>. In the third embodiment described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, illustrated are the main branch portion 181b and the diffusion portion 186b each having a semi-cylindrical shape. In contrast, the main branch portion 181c according to the fourth embodiment is a groove body with a substantially C-shaped cross section extending in the extension direction of the cardiovascular model <NUM> (<FIG>) and having the opening SP formed in at least a portion of the circumferential direction (<FIG>). Further, the diffusion portion 186c is a groove body extending in the extension direction of the cardiovascular model <NUM> (<FIG>: a broken line) and having a cross-sectional shape configured so as to engage with an outer rim in the vicinity of the opening SP of the main branch portion 181c (<FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the diffusion portion 186c is arranged so as to be adjacent to the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The main branch portion 181c is placed at the diffusion portion 186c so that the opening SP faces the diffusion portion 186c. The fixing member <NUM> fixes the main branch portion 181c and the diffusion portion 186c. Again, in the fourth embodiment, an inner cavity defined by the main branch portion 181c and the diffusion portion 186c can function as a fluid flow path as in the third embodiment. That is, the diffusion portion 186c as well as the main branch portion 181c can function as a flow path forming portion in the fourth embodiment.

The organ simulator 100c according to the fourth embodiment further includes a coat layer 189c. As shown in <FIG>, the coat layer 189c is a coating applied so as to cover the diffusion portion 186c at a portion exposed toward the fluid flow path through the opening SP of the main branch portion 181c. The configuration and material of the coat layer 189c may be the same as or different from those of the coat layer <NUM> according to the third embodiment. As described above, the shape of the main branch portion 181c, the shape of the diffusion portion 186c, and the aspect of the coated layer 189c may be altered appropriately. The organ simulator 100c according to the fourth embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first and third embodiments.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of an organ simulator 100d according to a fifth embodiment. In <FIG>, the fixing member <NUM> is not shown for the purpose of illustration. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along the D-D line in <FIG>. In the third embodiment described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, illustrated is a configuration where the main branch portion 181b and the diffusion portion 186b each having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape are combined to form a fluid flow path. In contrast, the organ simulator 100d according to the fifth embodiment does not include the diffusion portion 186b, but diffusion and excretion of a contrast agent which could be achieved by the diffusion portion 186b can be achieved by the surface layer <NUM> (a porous body) of the heart model <NUM>. According to the fifth embodiment, the main branch portion 181b is placed on the surface layer <NUM> so that the opening SP faces the surface layer <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The fixing member <NUM> fixes the main branch portion 181b. According to the fifth embodiment, an inner cavity defined by the main branch portion 181b and the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> can function as a fluid flow path. That is, the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> as well as the main branch portion 181b can also function a flow path forming portion in the fifth embodiment.

The organ simulator 100d according to the fifth embodiment further includes a coat layer 189d. As shown in <FIG>, the coat layer 189d is a coating applied so as to cover the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> at a portion exposed toward a fluid flow path through the opening SP of the main branch portion 181b. The configuration and material of the coat layer 189d may be the same as or different from those of the coat layer <NUM> according to the third embodiment. As described above, the diffusion portion 186b may be omitted, and diffusion and excretion of a contrast agent may be achieved by the surface layer <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The organ simulator 100d according to the fifth embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first and third embodiments.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of an organ simulator 100e according to a sixth embodiment. In <FIG>, the fixing member <NUM> is not shown for the purpose of illustration. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along the E-E line in <FIG>. In the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG>, the diffusion portion <NUM> is arranged at the distal end portion of the main branch portion <NUM>. In contrast, the organ simulator 100e according to the sixth embodiment further includes a diffusion portion 186e in addition to the diffusion portion <NUM> arranged at the distal end portion of the main branch portion <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the diffusion portion 186e will be described. As shown in <FIG>, the diffusion portion 186e is arranged at the branched portion <NUM> (<FIG>) in which one main branch portion <NUM> is branched into a plurality of main branch portions <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the diffusion portion 186e has a follow cylindrical shape having a diameter substantially same as that of the main branch portion <NUM>, and an inner cavity <NUM> of the diffusion portion 186e can function as a fluid flow path as in the inner cavity <NUM> of the main branch portion <NUM>. That is, the diffusion portion 186e as well as the main branch portion <NUM> can function as a flow path forming portion in the sixth embodiment. The diffusion portion 186e includes the porous body <NUM> and the elastic body <NUM> filled in the pores of the porous body <NUM> as in the diffusion portion <NUM>. The length of the diffusion portion 186e in the extension direction can be appropriately selected depending on required diffusion performance of a contrast agent as in the main branch portion <NUM>. Further, the coat layer <NUM> as described in the third embodiment is disposed at the bottom of the porous body 187e.

As described above, the organ simulator 100e may further include the diffusion portion 186e disposed at the branched portion <NUM> of the main branch portion <NUM> in addition to the diffusion portion <NUM> disposed at the distal end portion of the main branch portion <NUM>. Further, the organ simulator 100e may include a diffusion portion 186e1 disposed at a portion (an extension portion without having a branch) which corresponds to neither the distal end portion nor a branched portion of the main branch portion <NUM>. The diffusion portion 186e1 has a similar configuration as the diffusion portion 186e. Further, the organ simulator 100e does not need to include at least any one of the diffusion portions <NUM>, the diffusion portion 186e, and the diffusion portion 186e1. The organ simulator 100e according to the sixth embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first embodiment. Moreover, in the organ simulator 100e according to the sixth embodiment where the diffusion portion 186e is disposed at the branched portion <NUM> in which a flow path forming portion (the main branch portion <NUM> of a tubular body) is branched, the course of dense-staining in X-ray images to be obtained during use of a contrast agent can be simulated by the branched portion of the fluid flow path.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of an organ simulator 100f according to a seventh embodiment. In <FIG>, the fixing member <NUM> is not shown for the purpose of illustration. In the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG>, the main branch portion <NUM> and the side branch portion <NUM> are each a tubular body formed with a synthetic resin of a soft material. In contrast, a main branch portion 181f and a side branch portion 182f of the organ simulator 100f according to the seventh embodiment are configured as porous bodes. The main branch portion 181f and the side branch portion 182f may be made of the same material as the porous body <NUM> of the diffusion portion <NUM>, or may be made of a different material. Further, each of the pores of the main branch portion 181f and the side branch portion 182f formed with porous bodies may be filled with a resin. The above resin may be the same as or different from the elastic body <NUM> of the diffusion portion <NUM>.

The organ simulator 100f as described above has a cross-sectional view along the F1-F1 line which is similar to a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG>. On the other hand, a cross-sectional view along the F2-F2 line is similar to that of the sixth embodiment described with reference to <FIG>. Here, the diffusion portion 186e (<FIG>) corresponds to the main branch portion 181f, and the inner cavity <NUM> (<FIG>) corresponds to the inner cavity <NUM>. As described above, the material(s) of the main branch portion 181f and the side branch portion 182f may be altered appropriately, and they may be configured as porous bodies as in the diffusion portion <NUM> described in the first embodiment. The organ simulator 100f according to the seventh embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first embodiment. Further, in the organ simulator 100f according to the seventh embodiment, the flow path forming portion (the main branch portion 181f) is formed with a porous body, and thus can function as a diffusion portion for excreting a fluid flowing through the fluid flow path (the inner cavity <NUM>) from the pores of the porous body to the outside in a diffused manner.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of an organ simulator <NUM> according to an eighth embodiment. In the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG>, the distal end portion of the main branch portion <NUM>, the side branch portion <NUM>, and the branched portion <NUM> are each fixed through the separate fixing members <NUM>. In contrast, the main branch portion <NUM>, the side branch portion <NUM>, and the branched portion <NUM> are each fixed through the same fixing member <NUM> in the organ simulator <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment. The fixing member <NUM> fixes a portion of the ascending aorta leading to the coronary artery model <NUM> in the cardiovascular model <NUM> and the coronary artery model <NUM> including the main branch portion <NUM>, the side branch portion <NUM>, the branched portion <NUM>, and the diffusion portion <NUM>. In an example shown in the figure, the organ simulator <NUM> includes a fixing member <NUM> for fixing the left coronary artery model <NUM> and a fixing member <NUM> for fixing the right coronary artery model 180R. Further, a portion of the distal end side of the diffusion portion <NUM> is not fixed through the fixing member <NUM>, and the portion of the distal end side of the diffusion portion <NUM> is exposed. The fixing member <NUM> may be made of the same material as the first fixing member <NUM> according the first embodiment, or may be made of a different material.

As described above, the shape and fixing coverage of the fixing member <NUM> may be altered appropriately. For example, the left coronary artery model <NUM> and the right coronary artery model 180R may be fixed through a single fixing member <NUM>. Further, the fixing member <NUM> may fix the entire of the diffusion portion <NUM>, or does not need to fix the entire of the diffusion portion <NUM> to enable exposure. The organ simulator <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first embodiment.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of an organ simulator <NUM> according to a ninth embodiment (Not covered by the present claims). The insert shown in the lower panel of <FIG> shows an enlarged view of a diffusion portion <NUM> included in the organ simulator <NUM>. In the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG>, the pores of the porous body <NUM> in the diffusion portion <NUM> is filled with the elastic body <NUM>. In contrast, the diffusion portion <NUM> according to the ninth embodiment (Not covered by the present claims) does not include the elastic body <NUM> which fills the pores of the porous body <NUM>. As described above, the diffusion portion <NUM> can be configured appropriately, and may consist only of the porous body <NUM>. The organ simulator <NUM> according to the ninth embodiment (Not covered by the present claims) as described above can also show similar effects as the first embodiment.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along the A1-A1 line (<FIG>) of an organ simulator 100j according to a tenth embodiment. In the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, illustrated is a configuration where the heart model <NUM> has a three-layer structure of the balloon <NUM>, the simulated myocardium <NUM>, and the surface layer <NUM>. In contrast, a heart model 110j according to the tenth embodiment has a two-layer structure of the balloon <NUM> and the simulated myocardium <NUM> without having the surface layer <NUM> of a porous body.

As described above, the configuration of the heart model 110j (an organ model) may be altered appropriately. At least a part of the layers may be omitted, or an additional member not described above may be included. For example, the heart model <NUM> may have a single-layer structure of the simulated myocardium <NUM>. In that case, the inner cavity <NUM> may be omitted, or the inner cavity <NUM> may be formed at the inner side of the simulated myocardium <NUM>. For example, the heart model <NUM> may have a two-layer structure of the simulated myocardium <NUM> and the surface layer <NUM>. Again, in that case, the inner cavity <NUM> may be omitted, or the inner cavity <NUM> may be formed in the inner side of the simulated myocardium <NUM>. The organ simulator 100j according to the tenth embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first embodiment.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of an organ simulator <NUM> according to an eleventh embodiment. In the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG>, illustrated is a configuration where the cardiovascular model <NUM> (specifically, the main branch portion <NUM>, the side branch portion <NUM>, the diffusion portion <NUM>) is fixed through the fixing member <NUM>. In contrast, the organ simulator <NUM> according to the eleventh embodiment does not include the fixing member <NUM>, and the cardiovascular model <NUM> is not fixed to the heart model <NUM>. As described above, it is possible to omit the fixing member <NUM>. The organ simulator <NUM> according to the eleventh embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first embodiment.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a schematic configuration of an organ simulator <NUM> according to a twelfth embodiment. The organ simulator <NUM> according to the twelfth embodiment further includes a pericardium portion <NUM> in addition to each of the structures of the first embodiment described with reference to <FIG>. The pericardium portion <NUM> is a member with a film-like shape covering the surface <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. The pericardium portion <NUM> is a member having a pouch-like shape formed with a synthetic resin (for example, silicone and the like) of a radiolucent soft material. The cardiovascular model <NUM> (a vascular model) as described above is housed in a space between an inner surface of the pericardium portion <NUM> and the surface <NUM> of the heart model <NUM>. It is noted that an excretion outlet for excreting a contrast agent or a blood simulate excreted from the diffusion portion <NUM> may be formed at the pericardium portion <NUM>. The excretion outlet is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the distal end side (the apex) of the heart model <NUM> or at a side where the heart model <NUM> faces the aortic model <NUM> in the pericardium portions <NUM>.

As described above, the organ simulator <NUM> may further include various structures not described above. The organ simulator <NUM> according to the twelfth embodiment as described above can also show similar effects as the first embodiments. Further, the organ simulator <NUM> according the twelfth embodiment enables the pericardium portion <NUM> with a film-like shape covering the surface <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> to simulate the lateral pericardium and fibrous pericardium in the actual living body, and also enables the space between the inner surface of the pericardium portion <NUM> and the surface <NUM> of the heart model <NUM> to simulate the pericardial cavity in the actual living body.

The present invention shall not be limited to the above embodiments, but can be practiced according to various aspects without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following variations may also be possible.

The aforementioned first to twelfth embodiments show examples of the configuration of the human body simulating apparatus <NUM>. However, various modifications may be made to the configuration of the human body simulating apparatus. For example, the human body simulating apparatus does not need to include at least one of the tanks and the cover for covering the tank. For example, the human body simulating apparatus may include an input unit by a means other than a touch screen (for example, sound, an operation dial, a button, and the like).

The aforementioned first to twelfth embodiments show examples of the configuration of the model <NUM>. However, various modifications may be made to the configuration of the model. For example, the aortic model does not need to include at least a part of the first to the fourth connection portions. For example, the arrangement of the first to fourth connection portions in the aortic model may be altered appropriately. The first connection portion does not need to be arranged at the aortic arch or in the vicinity thereof. Similarly, the second connection portion does not need to be arranged at the ascending aorta or in the vicinity thereof. The third connection portion does not need to be arranged at the abdominal aorta or in the vicinity thereof. The fourth connection portion does not need to be arranged at the common iliac aorta or in the vicinity thereof. For example, any number of biological-model connection portions may be used in the aortic model. Anew biological-model connection portion for connecting a biological model not mentioned above (for example, a stomach model, a pancreas model, a kidney model, and the like) may be included.

For example, the model does not need to include at least a part of the heart model, the lung model, the brain model, the liver model, the lower-limb model, and the diaphragm model. When the lung model and the diaphragm model are omitted, the respiratory movement unit can also be omitted. For example, the model may be configured as a complex further including a bone model simulating at least a portion of a human bone such as rib, sternum, thoracic vertebra, lumbar vertebra, femur, and neckbone. For example, the configurations of the aforementioned heart model, lung model, brain model, liver model, lower-limb model, and diaphragm model may be altered appropriately. For example, the inner cavity of the heart model and the pulsating unit for discharging a fluid to the inner cavity of the heart model may be omitted (<FIG>). The lung model may include separate inner cavities disposed at each of the right and left lungs (<FIG>). The lower-limb model may further include a skin model which covers femur muscle (<FIG>).

The aforementioned first to twelfth embodiments show examples of the configurations of the organ simulators <NUM>, 100a to <NUM>. However, various alternations may be made to the configurations of the organ simulators. For example, at least one of an organ model (the heart model, the brain model, the liver model, the lower-limb model) and a vascular model (the cardiovascular model, the cerebral vascular models, the hepatic vascular model, the lower limb vascular model) may have a model simulating a healthy organ or blood vessel and a model simulating an organ or blood vessel having a lesion site, which may be interchangeably attached.

For example, a vascular model (the cardiovascular model, the cerebral vascular model, the hepatic vascular model, the lower limb vascular model) may include a vein-simulating model in addition to an artery-simulating model. For example, a vascular model is configured to include the main branch portion, the side branch portion, the connection portion, and the branched portion. However, these portions other than the main branch portion may be omitted. For example, the side branch portion may be omitted to obtain a flow path forming portion which consists only of the main branch portion. For example, a configuration may be used where the connection portion is omitted, and the main branch portion is integrally formed, and thus the main branch portion can not be detached for replacement. For example, the branched portion may be omitted to obtain a coronary artery model having a main branch portion without a branch.

The aforementioned first to twelfth embodiments show examples of the configurations of the diffusion portions <NUM>, 186a, 186b, 186c, 186e, and <NUM>. However, various modifications may be made to the configurations of the diffusion portions. For example, the density of the pores in the porous body included in the diffusion portion may be varied. It may be for example higher at the distal end side (the -Y axis direction in <FIG>) than at the proximal end side (the +Y axis direction in <FIG>). For example, the elastic body filled in the pores at the proximal end side may be made of a different material or may have a different property than the elastic body filled in the pores at the distal end side. For example, the diffusion portion is not adjacent to the surface layer of the heart model, but a cavity may be formed between them. For example, the diffusion portion does not need to include the coat layer.

The configurations of the human body simulating apparatuses and the organ simulators according to the first to twelfth embodiments and the configurations of the human body simulating apparatuses and the organ simulators according to the variations <NUM> to <NUM> may be appropriately combined. For example, the organ simulator may include both the diffusion portion disposed at the distal end portion of the main branch portion according to the first embodiment and the diffusion portion disposed so as to face the opening according to any one of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments. For example, the organ simulator may include both the diffusion portion disposed at the branched portion of the main branch portion according to the second embodiment and the diffusion portion disposed so as to face the opening according to any one of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments.

Claim 1:
A vascular model(<NUM>;<NUM>;<NUM>;<NUM>), comprising:
a flow path forming portion(<NUM>; 181b;181c;181f,<NUM>; 182f) for forming a fluid flow path extending in an extension direction of the vascular model; and
a diffusion portion(<NUM>; 186a;186b;186c;186e) formed with a porous body(<NUM>;187e) and disposed so as to face the fluid flow path, the diffusion portion(<NUM>;186a;186b; 186c;186e) being for excreting a fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from pores of the porous body(<NUM>;187e) to the outside in a diffused manner; characterized by the pores of the porous body in the diffusion portion(<NUM>; 186a;186b;186c;186e) are filled with an elastic body(<NUM>).