Escharotomy Surgery Research Protocol
Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine (CeMSIM)
Introduction and Background
During the Fall 2023 semester, I worked as an undergraduate researcher in RPI’s Center for Modeling, Simulation, and Imaging in Medicine (CeMSIM). I was part of a team investigating the biomechanics of burned skin tissue to improve escharotomy testing and simulation protocols.
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Escharotomy is a critical procedure used to restore blood flow and respiratory function in patients suffering from severe burns, particularly those with full-thickness or deep partial-thickness burns. This procedure involves precise incisions into the burned tissue to relieve pressure and prevent complications, which makes training essential for both experienced and less experienced medical practitioners.
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​However, current training simulators lack realistic visual and tactile feedback, which are necessary for developing the skills and muscle memory required for such a high-stakes procedure. Human tissue, which would otherwise serve as an ideal training model, presents ethical, logistical, and immunological challenges, making porcine skin a commonly used alternative due to its similarities to human tissue. The team’s research aimed to (1) evaluate whether the mechanical properties of full-thickness burned porcine skin are comparable to those of human skin and (2) explore how strain rate impacts the mechanical behavior of both types of tissue. Tensile tests at various strain rates provided data on mechanical properties such as stress, strain, and toughness.​
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My contribution to this project involved improving the experimental setup, specifically redesigning the mechanical jig and robotic end effector used to test tissue samples. By creating CAD models and proposing structural changes, I worked to address issues with inconsistent tissue positioning, uneven pressure application, and incision accuracy. These improvements aim to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of the experimental data collected in the lab.
My Role
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​Performed trials of the existing mechanical testing procedure to evaluate strengths and limitations.
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Brainstormed and proposed improvements to enhance reliability and reproducibility.
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Presented ideas during weekly team meeting and collaborated with advisors on next steps.
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Designed and prototyped a static jig to ensure consistent tissue placement and even pressure distribution.
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Created CAD models for a redesigned robotic end effector with a 45° angle for precise incisions.
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Addressed experimental limitations by improving setup reliability and reducing sources of error.
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Prioritized and analyzed multiple design concepts, implementing the most effective solution.
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These efforts helped optimize the testing setup, laying the groundwork for more accurate and consistent data collection.
Key Outcomes
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Redesigned jig and end effector to enhance repeatability and accuracy of data collection.​
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Improved tissue positioning and pressure application, ensuring consistency and reliability in testing protocols.
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Documented findings and presented progress to the research team at the semester’s conclusion.
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Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Dr. Kartik Josyula, Dr. Rahul Rahul, and Dr. Suvranu De for their invaluable guidance throughout this undergraduate research project. I am also grateful to graduate student Ava Gallagher for her support and mentorship.