High fidelity human kidney replica

kidney phantom


The precise hand-to-eye coordination displayed by physicians in the field of interventional radiology and urology take years of continuous practice to master and it is currently widely accepted for new trainees to immediately start training on real patients to achieve such expertize. Although practicing on patients is to be expected eventually, we believe costly mistakes made by inexperienced operators can be minimized by training on high fidelity simulation models. We offer an affordable yet detailed 3D-replica of a human kidney suitable for such simulation training to allow learning without compromizing patient safety.


Simulation Options

  • Percutaneous nephrostomy catheter insertation

  • Core and fine needle kidney biopsy performance

  • Renal calyx endoscopic assessment

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Our kidney phantom features and benefits

Realistic tissue elasticity and consistency

The kidney phantom and the tissue mimicking materials surrounding it are made from a variety of in-house developed gelatin mixtures that closely imitate human tissue consistency and elastic properties. To offer likelife simulation conditions, the kidney phantom is suspended in muscle tissue-mimicking gelatin covered by peelable opaque artificial skin layer.

Anatomically accurate and detailed organ 3D-shape

The 3D-shape of our kidney phantom is made using reconstructed real patients’computed tomography reference images. The anatomical accuracy has been verified with digitally scanned autopsy results which show a 3D-shape difference of less than 5%.


Simple and intuitive feedback mechanism

Our kidney phantom features hollow renal calyces moulded into its inner structure which can easily be filled with saline or colored liquids. Because each calyx is independantly connected to its outer reservoir, it possible to use different colored liquids to instantly distinguish whether the operator has punctured the desired calyx. The kidney phantom comes shipped with 2 free different packages of colored liquids.

Variety of calyx sizes and optional features

Our kidney phantom features 6 calyces of different sizes (5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm i.e. 0.19’’, 0.39’’ and 0.59’’ in diameter; 2 of each) to offer multiple training scenarios of various difficulty. In addition, the kidney phantom can be ordered with 2 spherical colored tumor simulations formed into its surface suitable for needle biopsy training.


Authentic tissue signal under ultrasonography

The gelatin mixtures used in our kidney phantom have been specially designed and calibrated to display realistic ultrasound propagation speed, attenuation and radiodensity needed to showcase human tissue-like ultrasonography signal under probe examination.

Based on scientific research

The design of our kidney phantom is based on scientifically validated data and multidisciplinary team work, including interventional residents. Our research is published in peer-reviewed journals European Journal of Radiology and Acta Radiologica.

Featured published articles:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23394766

doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2012.12.020

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25298868

doi: 10.1177/2047981614534231


Durable, reusable and recyclable design

Our kidney phantom is encased in a rugged hardshell cover which makes it suitable for transportation and compact storaging. The kidney phantom’s inner gelatin contents have been prototyped with durability in mind and have been shown to sustain up to 200 fine needle punctures without significantly compromising ultrasonography signal quality and tactile feedback. The gelatin content is biodegradable and can be disposed cleanly after the kidney phantom has served its purpose.

Extended shell-life

The gelatin mixtures used to create our kidney phantom contain antibacterial and gelatin-stabilizing additives to increase the shell-life to over 3 months (counting after the first needle puncture) under optimal temperature (0°...30° C i.e. 32°...86° F) conditions.


Custom solution options

The design of the kidney is not set in stone meaning the amount and size of the calyces plus the outer shape and the dimensions of the kidney can be changed to meet your specifications.

Free shipping

The kidney phantom is delivered worldwide without additional cost to you.


Demonstration

Kidney phantom nephrostomy cathether insertation
Kidney phantom biopsy performance
Kidney Phantom Nephrostomy Catheter Insertation