TissueDB/Materials/PVC
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) refers to rigid plastic piping commonly used in plumbing and construction. In surgical simulation, PVC pipe serves as a rigid structural substrate in training models, valued for its uniform diameter, predictable rigidity, and global availability.
Tissues
| Tissue | Visual | Tactile | Simulator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limb | Tourniquet Simulator, Wound Packing Simulator | Two half-pipe sections cut lengthwise from one 10 cm (4 in) pipe, forming the curved limb surface the learner applies a tourniquet over or packs a wound on. |
Alternatives
| Alternative | Best For | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Animal bone | Cortical/cancellous differentiation | Cultural restrictions; biological waste; single-use |
| Bamboo | Low-cost natural material; globally available | Variable diameter; node irregularities |
| Sawbones (synthetic) | High-fidelity commercial option; sterile | Higher cost (USD 15–50 per unit); less accessible |
References
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Overview
PVC pipe is a rigid, uniform-density thermoplastic. Schedule 40 (standard wall) and Schedule 80 (thick wall) are most common for simulation. Available in diameters from 13 mm (1/2 in) to 50 mm (2 in). White, grey, and clear variants available. Can be cut, drilled, and shaped with standard workshop tools. Inexpensive (less than USD 5 per model) and globally available from hardware suppliers.
PVC pipe is also used purely as structure rather than as a stand-in for a tissue. The Foley Catheter Tamponade Simulator uses a length of pipe as the model body that the catheter balloon is inserted into and presses against; that build records no tissue-simulating materials at all, so it appears here rather than in the tissues table above.
Synonyms
Common names: PVC pipe, Polyvinyl chloride, Vinyl pipe, Rigid PVC, PVC tubing
Trade names: Schedule 40 PVC, Schedule 80 PVC, PVC conduit
Regional terms: PVC (French), PVC (Italian), PVC (Spanish), PVC (German), Chlorure de polyvinyle (French formal)
Forms: PVC pipe, PVC sheet, PVC rod, PVC fitting, clear PVC, white PVC, grey PVC
Shelf Life & Storage
| Temp Range | Humidity | Surface Reuse | Shelf Life | Spoilage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambient (any temperature) | Any | Hundreds of sessions (non-consumable) | Indefinite | UV degradation if stored outdoors; otherwise stable |
| Authors | Arturopelayo, Ian-laurel |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo, Ian-laurel (2024–2026). "TissueDB/Materials/PVC". Appropedia. Retrieved August 3, 2026. |