AB188. SOH26AB_0353. Development of a wearable 3D sentinel-skin flap model aimed at patient education, enhanced patient understanding, and optimised informed consent processes
Urology Posters

AB188. SOH26AB_0353. Development of a wearable 3D sentinel-skin flap model aimed at patient education, enhanced patient understanding, and optimised informed consent processes

Cian Hehir1,2, Kieran Murphy2, Claire Condron2, Roisin Dolan3,4

1Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; 2Centre for Simulation Education and Research, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; 3Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; 4School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland

Background: Patient understanding remains a critical component of pre-operative counselling and a pillar of the informed consent process. Sentinel skin flap (SSF) transplantation is a form of vascularised composite allograft which is being trialled as a means of monitoring for and detecting acute rejection episodes in solid organ transplant recipients. The sentinel function of SSF grafts relies on the detection of a visible skin change. Achieving optimal levels of patient understanding can maximise the potential patient-led role in identifying SSF skin changes in the community. We aimed to describe the development of a wearable 1:1 SSF model with haptic skin inserts capable of mimicking physiological and rejection-like SSF appearances with the aim of enhancing patient understanding.

Methods: Through collaboration with medical design engineers and simulation experts, a scale 1:1 wearable SSF model was produced. A wearable sleeve was produced using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, utilising transparent, medical device-grade, bio-compatible photopolymer resin. A 3.5 cm × 12 cm elliptical segment was fabricated within the sleeve for insertion of SSF grafts. SSF graft models were made using form-poured human skin-grade design silicon. SSF skin appearance was replicated using clinical photographs. Public and patient involvement stakeholders provided critical insights throughout the design process.

Results: We describe the generation of a 3D wearable, scale 1:1 SSF model with potential applications in patient education.

Conclusions: 3D simulation models offer a viable strategy toward enhancing patient understanding and engagement. The role of 3D models in SSF transplantation remains under investigated.

Keywords: Sentinel skin flap (SSF); patient education; simulation; medical device manufacture; allograft rejection

Acknowledgments

None.

Footnote

Funding: None.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

doi: 10.21037/map-26-ab188
Cite this abstract as: Hehir C, Murphy K, Condron C, Dolan R. AB188. SOH26AB_0353. Development of a wearable 3D sentinel-skin flap model aimed at patient education, enhanced patient understanding, and optimised informed consent processes. Mesentery Peritoneum 2026;10:AB188.

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