Needle Penetration Simulation: Influence of Penetration Angle and Sample Stress on the Mechanical Behaviors of Polymers Applying a Cast Silicone and a 3D-Printed Resin

For surgical catheterization training applications, realistic and effective materials are desired. In this study, the relevance of a needle puncture angle and a simulated wall stress on different elastic materials were determined in a previously developed experimental setup. Both settings were considered individually in two new setups. In addition, a control setup with neither angle nor prestress was designed. During the process of puncturing the samples of two materials (Replisil 9N and Formlabs Elastic 50A), force–displacement values were collected, and three predefined parameters evaluated. The differences between the angled/stressed groups and the control group were analyzed. The additively processed material required a significantly higher force to puncture than the conventional one (p < 0.001). Moreover, a needle angulation of 45° required more force than puncturing orthogonally. Prestressing the samples did not clearly influence the resulting force. An evaluation of relative parameters showed that the investigated materials behaved differently but not linearly differently under the influence of needle angle and prestress. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the properties and suitability of materials for surgical training models in appropriate experimental setups considering multiple parameters.