Artificial Prostate Tissue for the Simulation of the Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Abstract

In-vitro models for the transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) require prostate phantoms whose mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties resemble those of real tissue. This work focused on the latter. Phantoms were fabricated with gelatin, pectin, and corn syrup solved in an aqueous solution of 0.4 wt% NaCl. The effect of each component on the phantom’s electrical properties could be described in a multiple nonlinear regression model. As a result, the electrical current drawn during resection of the phantom could be predicted with an uncertainty of ± 10 %. This allows for purposive adjustment of the phantom’s composition to regulate the Joule heating during resection. Particularly the pectin concentration appeared to greatly affect the electrical properties as well as the mechanical stability of the artificial tissue at higher temperatures caused by Joule heating of the system. Until now, this research focused on the development of tissue that resembles porcine musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD). In the future, the phantom’s composition will be adjusted based on data obtained through in-vivo resection of the prostate.

Keywords

• transurethral resection of the prostate
• artificial tissue
• phantom
• prostate
• surgical simulation