TissueDB/Simulators/Suturing Simulator (Kumaresan)
The Suturing Simulator (Kumaresan) is a low-cost, three-layer suturing pad built from dental impression materials that are readily available in any dental institution, for preclinical suturing skills training. An elastomeric impression material top layer stands in for skin, a synthetic foam sponge middle layer for the deeper connective tissue, and a putty vinyl polysiloxane base gives the pad a firm "bony" foundation. It is quick to make — about 15 minutes — and is intended as an affordable alternative to commercial suturing models.[1]
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Features and Basic Operation | The learner incises and sutures across two tissue planes — an elastomeric "skin" layer over a foam-sponge "connective tissue" layer on a firm putty base. The elastomeric–foam interface is the plane for practising subcuticular sutures, and fixing the pad over a curved surface makes the incised wound gape, showing wound tension and the need for adequate tissue bites. The materials cost about one tenth of commercial suturing models.[1] |
| Current Development Status | No validation study: a descriptive technique report (Short Communication) in which the authors present the model's construction but do not test its effect on suturing skill.[1] |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | $5 (estimated) |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | Glass mixing slab — used as the moulding surface for the elastomeric layer (peeled away after it sets) and as the size guide for cutting the foam. No other specialised equipment is required.[1] |
| Version | Version 1 |
| Development Team Contact Information | Ramesh Kumaresan, Sivakumar Pendayala, Balamanikanda Srinivasan and Kameswari Kondreddy, Faculty of Dentistry, AIMST University (Kedah, Malaysia). Corresponding author: Ramesh Kumaresan (rame1264@gmail.com).[1] |
Tissues
| Tissue | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin | 1 layer | Elastomeric impression material, light or medium | — | The skin analogue. Its rubbery texture and tear strength simulate the elasticity and keratinised texture of skin and give acceptable resistance to a suture needle.[1] |
| Connective Tissue | 1 piece | Synthetic foam sponge | — | The deeper connective-tissue layer. Its open structure lets the elastomeric flow in and bond the layers together.[1] |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firm base | 1 thin layer | Putty vinyl polysiloxane impression material | — | Forms the firm, flexible base of the pad; the source describes it as resembling "a bony base" underlying the suturing surface. Layer thickness not specified in source.[1] |
Build Instructions
Phase 1: Prepare the base
- Cut a synthetic foam sponge to 4–5 mm thickness, preferably to the size of a glass mixing slab.[1]
- Apply a thin layer of putty vinyl polysiloxane impression material onto one face of the foam sponge to form the firm base.[1]
Verification checkpoint: the putty forms an even base layer on that face of the foam.
Phase 2: Form and bond the skin layer
- Smear a 2–3 mm layer of light or medium elastomeric impression material onto a glass mixing slab.[1]
- Position the foam sponge over the elastomeric with the putty base facing up, so the low-viscosity elastomeric flows into the exposed foam and bonds the layers.[1]
Verification checkpoint: the exposed foam face sits in full contact with the elastomeric so it can bond as the material sets.
Phase 3: Set and demould
- Wait 5 minutes for the elastomeric impression material to set.[1]
- Peel the assembled model off the glass slab.[1]
Verification checkpoint: the set model can be incised and sutured on the elastomeric (skin) face, with acceptable resistance to the suture needle.[1]
Storage: models can be stored for several months, though the authors recommend early use to avoid changes in the material.[1]
Not suitable for
- Training surgical procedures beyond incision and suturing — the source presents the model only for practising suturing technique across the skin and connective-tissue planes and does not address other procedures.[1]
References
| Alternative names | simplified suturing model layered suturing pad dental impression suturing model |
|---|
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Simulators/Suturing Simulator (Kumaresan)". Appropedia. Retrieved July 13, 2026. |