Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for simulating the release of radio opaque dye within a vasculature system. The method, apparatus and system include simulating a vessel tree of the vasculature system for display on a display device, activating a particle-based contrast software effect, and injecting a plurality of physics-based particles into a confined vessel space of said vessel tree. The method and apparatus may also include fading down over a period of time an opacity of each of the physics-based particles and opacifying a portion of a vessel wall.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for simulating the release of radio opaque dye within a vasculature system. The method, apparatus and system include simulating a vessel tree of the vasculature system for display on a display device, activating a particle-based contrast software effect, and injecting a plurality of physics-based particles into a confined vessel space of said vessel tree. The method and apparatus may also include fading down over a period of time an opacity of each of the physics-based particles and opacifying a portion of a vessel wall.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for simulating the release of radio opaque dye within a vasculature system. The method, apparatus and system include simulating a vessel tree of the vasculature system for display on a display device, activating a particle-based contrast software effect, and injecting a plurality of physics-based particles into a confined vessel space of said vessel tree. The method and apparatus may also include fading down over a period of time an opacity of each of the physics-based particles and opacifying a portion of a vessel wall.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for simulating the release of radio opaque dye within a vasculature system. The method, apparatus and system include simulating a vessel tree of the vasculature system for display on a display device, activating a particle-based contrast software effect, and injecting a plurality of physics-based particles into a confined vessel space of said vessel tree. The method and apparatus may also include fading down over a period of time an opacity of each of the physics-based particles and opacifying a portion of a vessel wall.

Abstract: A portable medical simulation system and method employs an artificial patient with a built-in haptic interface device, with up to four carriages for engaging different diameter catheters. A catheter stabilizer between each carriage expands and contracts in an accordion fashion as the carriages move in relation to each other, preventing the catheter from bending and bowing. A contrast display visual effect derived from a particle emitter software tool simulates the release of radiopaque dye within a simulated vasculature system for display on a monitor. A computer software based system is used for generating haptic effects on the catheter through control signals passed to each of the carriage motors controlling translation movement of the catheter and magnetic particle brakes controlling rotational movement of the catheter.

Abstract: A visual effect creation system and method is software designed for creating, maintaining, and displaying real-time 3D visual effects. There are two parts to the software. The first part is the creation and maintenance tool and the second part is a real-time display module. The creation and maintenance tool contains the real-time display module which greatly aids the creation phase. The real-time display module is also designed to integrate the 3D visual effect created with the creation and maintenance tool into the platform of the final product. With the creation and maintenance tool the user can create individual and modular 3D visual effects, which can later be incorporated into other effects or used as a stand-alone 3D visual effect. The data structure for each 3D visual effect is based on a hierarchical node design (parent-child relationship) which allows for inheritance of specific attributes from the parent to the child.

Abstract: An education and training system and method where a trainee plays the role of a mentor to a simulated colleague who is performing a simulated procedure. Various views of the simulated colleague are presented on one or more monitors so that the trainee-as-mentor can observe the actions taken by the simulated colleague. The views will often be focused upon the hands of the simulated colleague. The trainee-as-mentor must observe the simulated colleague and provide instructions or commands to the simulated colleague in order to correct inappropriate actions. The trainee-as-mentor is evaluated on his or her ability to discern mistakes, miscues, poor technique, out of order steps, etc., and provide instructions to correct the mistake and prevent undesired outcomes.

Abstract: A portable medical simulation system and method employs an artificial patient with a built-in haptic interface device, with up to four carriages for engaging different diameter catheters. A catheter stabilizer between each carriage expands and contracts in an accordion fashion as the carriages move in relation to each other, preventing the catheter from bending and bowing. A contrast display visual effect derived from a particle emitter software tool simulates the release of radiopaque dye within a simulated vasculature system for display on a monitor. A computer software based system is used for generating haptic effects on the catheter through control signals passed to each of the carriage motors controlling translation movement of the catheter and magnetic particle brakes controlling rotational movement of the catheter.

Abstract: A simulation method and system based on a distributive processing model is used for training and educating healthcare teams. The system allows team members to be at the training facility or located remotely and connected via data communication links. The system allows multiple participants for individual team member roles at various connected simulation workstations. If simulation participants cannot man all the team roles, the system can provide virtual team members in their stead. The simulation server computer delivers to each workstation the particular programs and outputs required for any given simulation exercise.

Abstract: A simulation method and system based on a distributive processing model is used for training and educating healthcare teams. The system allows team members to be at the training facility or located remotely and connected via data communication links. The system allows multiple participants for individual team member roles at various connected simulation workstations. If simulation participants cannot man all the team roles, the system can provide virtual team members in their stead. The simulation server computer delivers to each workstation the particular programs and outputs required for any given simulation exercise.

Abstract: A system for producing highly realistic, real-time simulated operating condition for interactive training of persons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures involving implements that are inserted and manipulated through small incisions in the patient. The virtual environment for this training system includes a housing with small opening. An implement simulating a surgical implement is inserted into the opening and manipulated relative to the housing. A movement guide and sensor assembly monitors the location of the implement relative to the housing and provides data about the implement's location and orientation within the housing. The reported data is interpolated by a computer processor, which utilizes a database of information representing a patient's internal landscape to create a computer model of the internal landscape of the patient. With reference to this computer model, the processor controls the occurrence of force feedback opposing the motion of the implement.

Abstract: A system for producing highly realistic, real-time simulated operating conditions for interactive training of persons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures involving implements that are inserted and manipulated through small incisions in the patient. The virtual environment for this training system includes a housing with a small opening. An implement simulating a surgical implement is inserted into the opening and manipulated relative to the housing. A movement guide and sensor assembly monitors the location of the implement relative to the housing and provides data about the implement's location and orientation within the housing. The reported data is interpolated by a computer processor, which utilizes a database of information representing a patient's internal landscape to create a computer model of the internal landscape of the patient. With reference to this computer model, the processor controls the occurrence of force feedback opposing the motion of the implement.

Abstract: A system for producing highly realistic, real-time simulated operating conditions for interactive training of persons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures involving implements that are inserted and manipulated through small incisions in the patient. The virtual environment for this training system includes a housing with a small opening. An implement simulating a surgical implement is inserted into the opening and manipulated relative to the housing. A movement guide and sensor assembly monitors the location of the implement relative to the housing and provides data about the implement's location and orientation within the housing. The reported data is interpolated by a computer processor, which utilizes a database of information representing a patient's internal landscape to create a computer model of the internal landscape of the patient. With reference to this computer model, the processor controls the occurrence of force feedback opposing the motion of the implement.