Development of a Ventilated Animal Tissue Free Lung Model for Bronchoscopy

Abstract

Lung diseases are among the most common causes of death worldwide. Bronchoscopy is a key minimally invasive procedure for diagnostic clarification and the implementation of specific therapeutic measures. The increasing number of bronchoscopic procedures figures out the emerging relevance. An ideal training model should consist of human analog anatomy and imitate the dynamic movements while bronchoscopy in patients. Structural elements were designed using CAD and produced via additive manufacturing. The system uses an electrically powered reciprocating piston to compress air in an acrylic cylinder. A connected lung model is ventilated with adjustable frequency and stroke length, which control respiratory rate and volume change. The system produces stable and consistent breathing cycles. The work shows that a pneumatically ventilated lung model is a practical basis for bronchoscopic training. At the same time, potential areas for further development are identified, relating to sensor integration, material optimization, and automated control. The model can therefore be expanded in the long term and contributes to further improvements in bronchoscopic training. In addition, the model can be used for the development and testing of new therapeutic methods, such as new bronchial valves.