TissueDB/Simulators/Melanoma Excision Simulator (maxSIMhealth)
The Melanoma Excision Simulator (maxSIMhealth) is a low-cost training tool, built using 3D-printed molds and cast silicone, for practising melanoma excision on a skin pad with embedded lesions of varying shapes, sizes, and depths.[1] A rectangular mold is 3D-printed in PLA and used to cast a silicone skin base with melanoma-shaped indents that receive a separately pigmented silicone. The base is coloured in various skin tones and the lesions in black and brown. The user performs melanoma excision on the pad using the tools needed for the technique.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Features and Basic Operation | The user practises melanoma excision on a rectangular silicone skin pad containing melanoma lesions of varying shapes, sizes, and depths. The pad is coloured in various skin tones. The lesions are cast from a separately pigmented silicone to represent melanoma tissue visually. |
| Current Development Status | Face validity assessed (Selvarajah et al. 2024); transfer validity not demonstrated. |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | US$9 Not specified in source |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | UltiMaker S5 3D printer, Fusion 360 CAD software (Autodesk), UltiMaker Cura 3D slicing software |
| Version | Version 1 |
| Development Team Contact Information | maxSIMhealth, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. |
Tissues
| Tissue | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin | 1 | Castable silicone, power mesh (80% nylon/20% spandex) | — | Ecoflex 00-20 FAST (Smooth-On). Power mesh between silicone layers for durability. Pigmented with Silc Pig (various skin tones). |
| Melanoma lesion(s) | Multiple (varying shapes, sizes, depths) | Castable silicone | — | Dragon Skin 10 NV (Smooth-On). Cast into melanoma-shaped indents within the skin base. Pigmented with Silc Pig (black/brown). |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mold (skin pad with melanoma indents) | 1 | PLA filament | — | EcoTough PLA (FILAMENTS.CA). 3D-printed mold used only during construction. Designed in Fusion 360; rectangular base with melanoma-shaped indents of varying shapes, sizes, and depths. |
Build Instructions
Phase 1: Mold fabrication
Step 1. Design the melanoma simulator mold in Fusion 360: a rectangular skin pad base with indents shaped like various melanomas, each with different shapes, sizes, and depths.
Step 2. Slice the design using UltiMaker Cura 3D printing software.
Step 3. 3D-print the mold with EcoTough PLA filament on an UltiMaker S5 3D printer.
Phase 2: Silicone casting
Step 4. Mix Ecoflex 00-20 FAST silicone with Silc Pig pigment in the desired skin tone.
Step 5. Pour the coloured silicone into the mold. Insert power mesh (80% nylon/20% spandex) between silicone layers to increase durability.
Step 6. Mix Dragon Skin 10 NV silicone with black/brown Silc Pig pigment.
Step 7. Pour the pigmented Dragon Skin 10 NV silicone into the melanoma-shaped indents within the base.
Step 8. Allow the silicone to cure and demold the finished simulator.
References
- ↑ Selvarajah D, Jolly AK, Pabla T, Thomas J, Dubrowski A. Advancing Surgical Precision in Z-Plasty and Melanoma Excision Through Quality Improvement Initiatives in Rural Settings. Cureus. 2024;16(11). doi:10.7759/cureus.73691. PMC11646166.
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Simulators/Melanoma Excision Simulator (maxSIMhealth)". Appropedia. Retrieved September 21, 2026. |