TissueDB/Materials/Gelatin
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Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, used in surgical simulation to create tissue phantoms with tunable mechanical properties. Ballistic gelatin formulations provide realistic tissue drag during needle insertion and cutting, while softer preparations simulate organ parenchyma for ultrasound phantoms. Animal-derived but widely available and cost-effective for high-volume training programs.
Tissues
| Tissue | Visual | Tactile | Simulator | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Tissue | Pediatric Forearm Fracture Simulator | Mix 80 g unflavoured gelatin in 400 mL room-temperature water, add 400 mL heated water. Pour into mould around 3D-printed bone model. Refrigerate 4 hours to set. Transparent for unblinded training; add food colouring for opaque blinded variant. | |||
| Muscle | Z-Plasty Simulator | Gelatin:glycerine:water ratio 8:8:2 with red food colouring and wool substrate. Microwave 30 seconds, baste until jam consistency. | |||
| Subcutaneous fat | Z-Plasty Simulator | Gelatin:glycerine:water ratio 2:6:12 with yellow food colouring and wool substrate. Set time 1 hour. Layer multiple pieces for thickness, glue with connective tissue paste. | |||
| Connective Tissue | Z-Plasty Simulator | Gelatin:glycerine:water ratio 5:2:10, no colouring, no substrate. Adhesive paste between tissue layers. | |||
| Skin | Z-Plasty Simulator | Gelatin:glycerine:water ratio 10:4:20 with food colouring for skin tone and 15-denier stocking substrate. Set time 1 hour. | |||
| Esophagus | Partial | No | Neonatal ETT Ultrasound Simulator (Qaim Ali) | Hollow cylinder in gelatin-psyllium block; removable gelatin plug simulates ETT presence or absence in esophageal lumen. Sonographic appearance on transverse anterior neck ultrasound.[1] | |
| Kidney | Partial | No | Ewald Percutaneous Renal Access Trainer | 10% ballistic gelatin + 30% iohexol (Omnipaque 300) + 60% water by weight, poured into nitrile glove shaped as collecting system. Radio-opaque calyceal anatomy for fluoroscopic needle targeting.[2] | |
| Common Femoral Artery (femoral access mold) | Yes | Partial | Pulsatile REBOA Simulator (Keller) | Ultrasound-compatible gelatin mold capable of transducing discernible pulsations. Used for full percutaneous femoral access practice (needle puncture, Seldinger conversion, sheath upsize, balloon deployment); reusable up to four deployments before replacement. Source verbatim: "An ultrasound compatible gelatin mold capable of transducing discernible pulsations enables REBOA deployment starting with percutaneous vascular access and ending with balloon inflation".[3] | |
| Kidney | - | - | - | Percutaneous Renal Access Simulator (Ewald) |
References
[edit source]- ↑ Merali HS, Tessaro MO, Ali KQ, Morris SK, Soofi SB, Ariff S (2019). "A novel training simulator for portable ultrasound identification of incorrect newborn endotracheal tube placement – observational diagnostic accuracy study protocol." BMC Pediatrics 19:434. DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1717-y. PMID: 31722685. PMC: PMC6852924.
- ↑ Ewald JM, Cheng JW, Engelhart SM, Wilkinson MC, Hajiha M, Wagner H, Baldwin DD. A realistic, durable, and low-cost training model for percutaneous renal access using ballistic gelatin. Turk J Urol 2019;45(1):31–6. DOI: 10.5152/tud.2018.43569. PMID: 30668307.
- ↑ Keller BA, Salcedo ES, Williams TK, Neff LP, Carden AJ, Li Y, Gotlib O, Tran NK, Galante JM. Design of a cost-effective, hemodynamically adjustable model for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) simulation. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2016 Sep;81(3):606–611. DOI: 10.1097/TA.0000000000001153. PMID: 27270855.
Overview
[edit source]Gelatin is an animal-derived protein obtained by hydrolysis of collagen from skin, bones, and connective tissue (typically bovine or porcine). Supplied as powder, sheets, or granules. Dissolves in warm water and sets into a gel upon cooling. Gel firmness adjustable by concentration. Requires refrigeration to maintain gel state. Widely available from grocery stores and specialty suppliers.
Synonyms
[edit source]Common names: Gelatin, gelatine, Knox gelatin, ballistic gelatin, food-grade gelatin, pharmaceutical gelatin, unflavored gelatin
Regional terms: Gélatine (French), Gelatina (Italian/Spanish), Gelatine (German/Dutch)
Forms: Gelatin powder, gelatin sheets, gelatin blocks, ballistic gelatin, gelatin mix, set gelatin
Medical: Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin, absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam)
Shelf Life & Storage
| Temp Range | Humidity | Surface Reuse | Shelf Life | Spoilage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration required for set gel; room temperature for dry powder | Dry (<60%) for powder | Limited reuse (remeltable) | Powder: long-term if kept dry. Gel: days (refrigerated) | Mold growth; bacterial contamination if unrefrigerated |
Clinical Context for Simulation
[edit source]Processing & Preparation
[edit source]Safety Considerations
[edit source]Related Materials
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