Abstract: Systems, kits, and methods for programming infusion systems are disclosed. A system comprises an infusion device and a mock pump set. The infusion device is programmable with at least one infusion protocol. The infusion device includes a pathway adapted to receive a pump set and at least one pump adapted to pump fluid through the pump set when the pump set is received in the pathway. The mock pump set is sized to be received in the pathway of the infusion device, and is not configured to receive fluid from the fluid container. A kit comprises the mock pump set. A method comprises inserting a mock pump set in a pathway of an infusion device and programming the infusion device with at least one infusion protocol while the mock pump set is received in the pathway.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing medical prescriptions in a manner which is at least partially independent describing or otherwise representing a medical prescription independent of the writing or other written format originated by a physician, pharmacist, etc. A plurality of indicators are provided, preferably on an indicator composite wherein each of the indicators include indicia representative of the possible terms of a plurality of different prescriptions. At least some of the indicia are pictorial representations wherein selected ones of the plurality of indicators are disposed preferably on any of a plurality of different types of presentation structures in a predetermined array. The indicia of predetermined array of the selected indicators thereby collectively define the operative terms of the prescription which determine accurate and intended content, preparation and terms of use.

Abstract: A surgical simulation system for demonstrating a laparoscopic surgical instrument includes a frame defining an internal cavity for supporting an object simulative of human tissue. A wall is coupled to the frame and obstructs a view of the cavity from a surgical vantage point. The wall is constructed of three adjacent layers including an outer layer simulative of skin tissue coupled to the frame by a first fastener, an intermediate layer, and an inner layer simulative of abdominal tissue. The inner layer is coupled to the intermediate layer by a second fastener such that the inner layer is removable from the intermediate layer independently of the outer layer. At least one aperture is defined through the wall to provide entry of the endoscopic surgical instrument into the cavity. A camera captures images from within the cavity transmits the images to a monitor visible from the surgical vantage point.

Abstract: An abdominal breathing training apparatus, an abdominal breathing training system and the method thereof are provided. The abdominal breathing training apparatus is adapted for training a trainee how to perform an abdominal breathing and includes a trainer unit, a sensor unit, a data acquisition and conversion unit and a display unit. The trainer unit generates training waveforms and indications. The sensor unit directly measures abdominal movement signals from the trainee, and is positioned adjacent to the abdominal portion of the trainee. The data acquisition and conversion unit is coupled to the sensor unit and generates a trainee abdominal movement waveform according to the measured abdominal movement signals of the trainee. The display unit is coupled to the trainer unit, and displays the training waveforms and the indications to the trainee, who follows the training waveforms on the display unit to perform the abdominal breathing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for tele-mentoring, such as for laparoscopic training. In one example, a system includes a mentor environment and a trainee environment wherein the mentor environment is coupled to the trainee environment so that an image of the mentor laparoscopic instruments is superimposed on the trainee laparoscopic instruments allowing a mentor to provide real-time audible and visual guidance to a trainee. The mentor environment can include a training laparoscopic box simulator with a camera and mentor instructional laparoscopic instruments; a mentor audio/visual processor coupled to the mentor training laparoscopic box simulator; a mentor microphone coupled to the computing device; and a mentor display coupled to at least the computing device. The trainee environment can include a trainee system with trainee laparoscopic instruments and a video device, such as a camera; a trainee microphone coupled to the trainee system; and a trainee display coupled to the mentor environment.

Abstract: A method of diabetes management including receiving a plurality of readings over time from an analyte sensor, processing each of the readings to generate analyte data, receiving information about external factors, using the analyte data to estimate an amount of medication to be dispensed from a single dose medication device based on the analyte data in combination with the external factors, and displaying an instruction to deliver the amount of medication.

Abstract: A model head including a jaw insert having layers of varying materials replicating the anatomical features of a human jaw. The jaw may include a mock nerve system that provides a signal to indicate the condition of the nerve. The jaw also may include a circulatory system including vessels that simulate the bleeding that occurs when a vessel in a human has been damaged.

Abstract: A fluid percussion system for modeling penetrating brain injury includes a fluid percussion device that takes inputs in the form of pressurized gas and electrical signals from a computer and outputs a single hydraulic pulse, or multiple hydraulic pulses in quick succession. The fluid percussion device may include a pneumatic cylinder assembly and a hydraulic cylinder assembly that is actuated by the pneumatic cylinder assembly to produce the hydraulic pulse(s) of pressurized fluid. Each pulse may be used to rapidly inflate and deflate an attached balloon (representing a brain penetrating device). The balloon may be inserted in a test specimen, and the rapid inflation and deflation of the balloon creates a lesion that simulates a penetrating brain injury. A calibration system that employs an optical sensor may be used to determine maximum balloon diameter achieved during rapid inflation.

Abstract: A surgical training device for the practice of surgical techniques comprises a base and a face wall extending from a side of said base such to block direct visualization of the operation area from the normal external position of the eyes of the trainee using the device. The face wall comprises a front wall and an upper wall. The front wall is extended upwardly from the base; the upper wall is then extended upwardly and inwardly from the front wall. A flexible membrane is stretched on upper wall and has at least two portals such that adaptors can be inserted on flexible membrane. The adaptors are further fitted with stoppers to prevent adaptors been pulled out from the membrane during training. The surgical instruments can pass through the openings of adaptors to manipulate simulated tissue or another operable structure on the base. A plain spherical bearing set, including a bearing seat and a plain spherical bearing, is also installed on said upper wall.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic training device for training of military and civilians in emergency medical care is presented. Such training devices provide stimuli to cue emergency medical personnel to perform required treatments, and are able to withstand simulated field medical training conditions. The devices provide realistic simulation of wounds, human anatomy and phenomena associated with traumatic injury (e.g. bleeding) and to provide immediate stimulus feedback on the success of the medical procedures. The simulation also provides realism sufficient to induce emotional response in the trainee, so that emotional responses can be extinguished or reduced prior to treatment of an actual injured patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for assessing a medical ultrasound imaging operator's competency. The system includes a console containing a plurality of virtual controls, such as knobs, for simulating a real-life examination of a patient. The images created by the system change dynamically as the different virtual knobs on the console are adjusted. The console provides a certification examination for a medical ultrasound imaging operator. The console also includes a process to assess the medical ultrasound imaging operator's competency. The process determines a plurality of scores in order to assess the competency of the medical ultrasound imaging operator.

Abstract: A device includes a body weight obtainment unit for obtaining measurement data; a storage unit for storing the measurement data; a target calculation unit that, based on the measurement data in, calculates a target diurnal fluctuation amount including a body weight fluctuation amount during sleep and a body weight diurnal target increase/decrease amount; and a computation unit that, based on the target diurnal fluctuation amount, calculates a target value to serve as a target when measuring a pre-sleep body weight value at a second timing before the measurement subject sleeps relative to a post-waking body weight value that is measured at a first timing after the measurement subject wakes. The target calculation unit calculates the diurnal target increase/decrease amount based on the measurement data in the storage unit so that the diurnal target increase/decrease amount is within a predetermined increase/decrease percentage range of the post-waking body weight value.

Abstract: The orthopedic procedures training simulator (100) is a mannequin (102) having an internal skeletal structure (104) for simulating orthopedic injuries. The interior skeletal structure (104) includes a plurality of skeletal structures, each movable between a first position simulating normal and healthy skeletal structure and a second position simulating an orthopedic injury. Motor tensionable cables joining larger joint structures allow for simulating muscular tension affecting the ability to reduce a dislocation of the joint. Force and positional sensors are disposed within the skeletal structures, and provide information to a computer system (700) to perform and monitor simulation. A computer program reads the sensors, and controls the motor tensionable cables to simulate orthopedic injuries and responses to applied corrective procedures and medications.

Abstract: Embodiments include storing values of a first plurality of nodes in memory based on tracking the position of a plurality of points of a physical object and maintaining a second plurality of nodes in memory, each node of the second plurality of nodes corresponding to a node of the first plurality. The values of the second plurality of nodes can be used to model interactions with other objects and to render a view of a simulated object. The simulation can access data identifying a simulation boundary and selectively update values of the second plurality of nodes using the first plurality of nodes while ensuring that the simulation boundary is not violated. A value of the second plurality of nodes can be set to be different from the value of the corresponding one of the first plurality of nodes if using the first node's value would violate the boundary.

Abstract: Methods for limiting and controlling the distribution of dronedarone to patients whose use of the drug might present an unacceptable risk.

Abstract: A device for the determination of parameters, particularly for therapeutic compression measures on limbs (10), comprises an anatomically-modelled limb (10), to which the compression measures may be applied, with sensors (42), provided on the limb (10), for recording said parameter. The surface (44) of the limb (10) is at least partially elastically-deformable in at least one direction and at least one simulation device for a muscle (22, 24) is provided in the limb (10), which may be controlled to give a merely partial deformation of the surface (44) of the limb (10).

Abstract: A process and computer program product involving a computer readable medium tangibly recording computer program logic to provide a physical therapy resource electronically to a patient remote from a physical therapy clinic, hospital, or the like. The computer program product includes code to present instructions for physical activity to the patient via a display, code to receive data from a user interface device, the data indicating movement of the patient, code to analyze the data from the user interface device to discern achievement within a physical therapy regimen, and code to select one or more subsequent exercises for the patient based at least in part on the analyzed data. Systems and related physical therapy products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A haptic simulation method determines a location of a needle assembly within a magneto-rheological fluid. The needle assembly within the magneto-rheological fluid is associated with a desired resistance value. A viscosity control signal representative of the desired resistance value is generated. The viscosity control signal is applied to a viscosity control device to vary a viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid to achieve the desired resistance value.

Abstract: A simulation device is disclosed for practicing manipulations of at least one elongated medical instrument, comprising a housing presenting at least one instrument input and enclosing a first motion sensor for tracking the motions of a first elongated medical instrument inserted therein. The housing encloses a bifurcating device having one input connected to the instrument input as well as at least a first and a second outputs. The bifurcating device further comprises a deflecting mechanism for guiding the first and a second elongated medical instruments from its input, respectively, through the first and second outputs, the first output being connected to the first motion sensor while the second output is connected to a second motion sensor for tracking the motions of the second elongated medical instrument. Thus, the operator's feelings are very close from those of a real medical intervention, the respective behaviour of the instruments being substantially identical.

Abstract: A training and/or evaluating device is provided particularly useful in performing laparoscopic procedures, radiological procedures, and precise surgeries that simulates the structure and dynamic motion of the corresponding anatomical structure on which the procedure takes place. The device includes an outer housing, which may be designed to mimic the body wall, in which one or more organs are located. Motion of the organ(s), as a result of respiration, pulmonary action, circulation, digestion and other factors present in a live body, is simulated in the device so as to provide accurate dynamic motion of the organs during a procedure.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment is a simulation system for practicing vascular-access procedures without using human subjects. The simulator includes a data-processing system and a haptics interface device. The haptics device provides the physical interface at which a user interacts with various mechanisms that are intended to enable the user to simulate various aspects of a vascular-access procedure. The haptics device is designed so that its physical form and manner of use are not inconsistent with the experience of performing an actual vascular access procedure.

Abstract: Appropriate advice according to a symptom of a patient is presented to a caregiver to manage information whether or not the advice is effective so as to support the caregiver. A storage portion of a dementia care support system for outputting advice information for a caregiver about BPSD of a patient stores information of a patient as well as a caregiver, and advice information; an advice information selection portion selects any of the advice information that is stored in the storage portion based on the information of the patient and the caregiver; an information output portion outputs the advice information that is selected by the advice information selection portion; and the storage portion further stores implementation information of a content that is included in the advice information that is output from the information output portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simulator training system for simulation training in ultrasound examination or ultrasound-guided procedures. The training system comprises a movable simulator input device to be operated by the user, and means for displaying an ultrasound scan view image which is an image or facsimile image of an ultrasound scan. The scan view image is variable and related to the position and/or orientation of the simulator input device. The system further includes means for displaying a second image, the second image being an anatomical graphical representation of a slice through of the body structure associated with the ultrasound scan view, the slice through displaying the scan beam plane of the simulator input device. The ultrasound scan view image and the second image are linked to vary in a coordinated manner as the position and/or orientation of the simulator input device changes.

Abstract: A method and microenvironment includes accessing a dynamic image from a computer-readable medium and displaying the dynamic image on a display device communicatively connected to the microenvironment. The dynamic image includes a representation of an action performed by a clinician with respect to the microenvironment.

Abstract: A method and system for interactive simulation of materials. The method and system provide flexible simulation, the ability to combine rigid and flexible simulation, a collision-detection method for simulating objects and other entities, and a system for displaying and interacting with simulated objects which includes a harness for registering the hardware components of the simulation with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention is a medical simulation system having a system computer, at least one output display device, at least one input device an instructor terminal and a mannequin. The invention includes scenarios that execute on the computer system and output simulated physiological values to the display devices. The invention includes a means to communicate between multiple executing scenarios to allow integration of the executing scenarios. The invention includes a control panel interface displayable on the instructor terminal to provide a user friendly input means for the instructor.

Abstract: There are provided a method, system and medium having instructions embedded to determine an attribute of a simulated patient's state resulting from a patient-physician encounter. The method includes receiving a current treatment move and an initial value of the attribute; calculating a maximal expected incremental effect value of the current treatment move over a previous treatment move on the attribute; attenuating the maximal expected incremental effect value based on amount of time between the previous treatment move and the current treatment move; summing the attenuated maximal expected incremental effect value with the initial value to generate an updated attribute of the simulated patient's state; and generating a patient-physician encounter that includes the updated attribute.

Abstract: A combination of a haptic device and a computer-assisted medical system is used for interactive haptic positioning of a medical device coupled to the haptic device. A reconfigurable haptic object facilitates the positioning of the medical device and/or the haptic device. The haptic object may be modified in response to application of a force against the haptic object by a user of the haptic device pushing the haptic device against the haptic object. Preferably, the haptic object moves in the direction of the force applied by the haptic device. The medical device may be guided to a desired pose relative to a target area from its current position. The user may approach the target area from its current position and still be provided with haptic cues to enable the user to guide the medical device to the target area.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide a system for allowing a user to experience a simulation of an age-related medical condition. The system can include eyewear, footwear, handwear, and an audio recording. The eyewear can include two colored lenses. Each lens includes a marking that can at least partially bock central vision of the user and a lens sideguard that can at least partially block peripheral vision of the user. The footwear includes a surface that can be located adjacent to a sole of the user. The surface includes protrusions that can at least indirectly contact the sole. The handwear can impair physical sensory of the user. The audio recording is stored on a medium and includes voiced instructions and static for a first pre-set time and static for a second pre-set time. The voiced instruction identifies home-based tasks for the user to perform during the second pre-set time while wearing the eyewear, footwear, and handwear.

Abstract: An anastomosis training device and related methods of use that provides medical professionals with real-time feedback of pulling force. The anastomosis training device can include a housing portion, a spring member, a proximal catheter portion and a distal catheter portion. The housing portion can include an external tubing member that slidingly retains an internal tubing element and the spring member. A proximal wire assembly attaches the spring member to a manipulation assembly and a distal wire assembly attaches the spring member to a retention member that allows the anastomosis training tool to be anchored to a suitable surface. As a user applies a pulling force to the manipulation assembly, the internal tubing member is slidably withdrawn from the external tubing member to expose a visible force scale that indicates the level of pulling force being applied by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tridimensional stool assessment instrument for evaluating stool type of a subject including a mock toilet and tridimensional models of exemplary stool types sized for placement in the mock toilet. The present invention also relates to methods of evaluating or diagnosing a subject having, or having a propensity to develop, a gastrointestinal disease using the tridimensional stool assessment instrument of the present invention. Moreover, the present invention relates to a kit.

Abstract: A built-in non-verbal compact instructional device integratable to an applicator having a microdevice for painlessly perforating skin and optionally an active agent for application to the perforated area. The microdevice can include microneedles, microneedle arrays, microblades, microblade arrays, microknives, microknife arrays, and Functional MicroArrays (FMAs). The active agent can be stored in a first chamber. The microdevice can perforate stratum corneum without significant pain or discomfort to a patient. The active agent is applied to the perforated area. The device verifies compliance with predetermined methods of use, such as a light to indicate application with the recommended amount of force for perforating skin. The applicator can provide enhanced delivery of an active agent, with minimal discomfort, for therapeutic or cosmetic treatment, such as topical treatment for acne, or other skin disorders, wrinkles, blemishes, etc.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to provide simulation of a human casualty. In one embodiment an autonomous casualty simulator includes a processing module having a scenario progression controller and a physiological modeling system to receive sensor input and to control effectors. The autonomous casualty simulator can be contained in a nominal human mannequin form.

Abstract: MRI training and adjustment device for positioning the tip of a medical implement in living tissue, comprising a dummy which contains in the space inside it target pieces that show up in the MRI and the other component parts of which are invisible in the MRI, wherein a further component part of the training device is a base plate, which can be fastened under an MRI coil for the living tissue to be examined and carries at least one fastening block, which can be moved linearly with respect to the tissue and to which there can be detachably fastened either the dummy and/or a tissue pressing frame, which has an opening that is crossed by at least one elongated pressing rail, wherein the base plate, the fastening block, the tissue pressing frame and the pressing rail are invisible in the MRI.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for enhancing respiration quality in humans are described herein. In particular, the present invention relates to devices and methods useful for the treatment, prevention, and/or management of respiratory disorders and associated complications. Herein, a training device is described that increases the difficulty of nasal breathing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for learning and training dental treatment techniques, according to which a force is applied to a tooth (2) preferably by means of tools (4) in order to examine or treat this tooth. A mandible (1) or the tooth (2) is coupled to a force measuring device (3) in a manner that enables the forces applied to the tooth (2) to be represented in the form of electric measurement signals (5) that are fed to a data processing device (6). Said data processing device has a data memory (7) in which a multitude of reference force/time courses of different force/time-determined tooth treatment steps can be stored in a manner that enables them to be retrieved, whereby the forces applied to the tooth (2) and their temporal course are compared with a reference force/time course.

Abstract: A novel integrated system and method for visualizing human physiology, disease and treatment options are described in the instant application. The graphical rendering of the human body is in depth and the user can explore the internal workings of the organs and cells by simply performing a pealing like act using a cursor and the layer as a flap opens up to show the details. A user can click on a specific topic and watch a video, narration or text relevant to the topic of choice. The integrated system provides storage of curated data, social media access and interaction, database storage and analytics to calculate user behavior. This technology may used as an application on any mobile and hardware device.

Abstract: Several methods, processes and system for modular tool as an integrated multimedia tool system to explore and study the virtual human body is disclosed. Content and context modules allow for scientific gaming using modular multimedia objects, social media and different configurations. The disclosure allows an individual to travel through the virtual human body in a self guided and interactive tour. It specifically enables the user to learn the structure and function of different organs, different types of cells, intercellular space as well as different cellular organelles etc. Further, the system may be used by the local authority as an electronic study tool for seamless integrated mode of delivering the educational tool suited to the local curriculum. This may also serve as a tool for patients, doctors, focus groups and student to explore and learn about the pathological and physiological conditions in a human body.

Abstract: A tool and method of diagnosis and treatment of a patient by employing an integrated wellness index to achieve maximum health and to determine the underlying causes of disease states. A wellness index assigns a point system for essential health factors to measure various health parameters and overall health of a patient and assist the tracking of a patient's health status over time.

Abstract: The joint implant manufacturer obtains and compiles surgeon-specific surgical and supply preference information in relation to a supplied joint implant prior to surgery. The manufacturer designates and trains at least one surgical team member using the surgeon-specific preference information and then supplies the service of the surgical team member(s) together with the supplied joint implant and supplies. The surgical team member(s) perform surgical procedures on the patient to assist the surgeon in removing a defective joint and replacing it with the supplied implant in accordance with the surgeon's surgical preferences.

Abstract: A patient simulator for training a person to perform a polysomnography including a mannequin representing a torso and head of a human body made of a rigid material with a skin layer on the surface of the mannequin. The skin layer is made of an artificial skin material that simulates the electrical conductivity and electrical impedance of human skin. The patient simulator further includes a signal generator for generating electrical signals that simulate biophysiological activity. A plurality of emitter electrodes is positioned underneath the skin layer and connected to the signal generator to receive the electrical signals, and transmit the electrical signals through the skin layer. A controller is connected to the signal generator to control the signal generator that generates the electrical signals.

Abstract: A system for managing physical training includes: a goal achievement planning module establishing a training goal and a time schedule for a physical training participant on the basis of a profile reflecting physical characteristics of the physical training participant; a section creation module separately creating training items on a section basis according to the training goal and the time schedule of the physical training participant with reference to a predetermined standard; and a management contents creation module creating contents required to manage the physical training of the physical training participant on the basis of physical measurements previously established by the goal achievement planning module and the section creation module and various physical measurements measured from sensors attached to the physical training participant in real-time.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for providing nutritional detailed dietary (menu planning), exercise, and life coaching guidance and nutritional supplements to maximize Wellness (health and fitness) to a person based on a portion of the person's genetic SNP profile, taking account of at least about 30 genes and variations therein. The person provides a tissue sample to a genetic analysis laboratory, which issues its SNP report. That report, together with the person's responses to a personal habits questionnaire, is analyzed by a nutritionist and also an exercise therapist and a monthly dietary supplementation plan and recommended lifestyle changes are provided to the person. A supplements box is provided to the person with daily and intra-daily doses of prescriptions and supplements, the box containing at least 4 weeks' worth of supplements.

Abstract: A standard handheld cellular telephone for obtaining diagnostic data is described. In at least one aspect, a standard handheld cellular telephone has a processor, a cellular transceiver, a signal transmitter, a signal receiver and memory for storing instructions for execution by the processor. The acoustic, electromagnetic, optical, and positioning functions of a cellular telephone are exploited. The standard handheld cellular telephone is configured to be capable of performing operations including causing the signal transmitter to transmit a signal through a medium when the signal transmitter is placed adjacent to the medium, receiving with the signal receiver one or more propagations of the transmitted signal after the transmitted signal has passed at least in part through the medium, and obtaining diagnostic data from the received one or more signal propagations.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus simulator unit (BASU) comprises a mouthpiece/noseclip subassembly and a cartridge subassembly. The mouthpiece/noseclip subassembly includes the same mouthpiece/noseclip subassembly that is utilized in an actual self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) device. The cartridge subassembly comprises a container containing a reactionary material. The reactionary material reacts with at least one product of a user's exhalation to generate heat and resistance, thereby providing sensations to simulate the use of an actual SCSR.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for monitoring the health of an employee. A method for monitoring the health of an employee including collecting health data corresponding to at least one of biometric health data and biomechanical health data for an employee acquired via a plurality of health sensors located throughout the employee's workstation, determining a health profile for the employee based at least in part on the collected health data, and serving, to an employee computer for display, health profile content comprising an avatar configured to communicate information relating to the health profile for the employee. The plurality of health sensors including at least one of biometric sensors and biomechanical sensors.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods incorporate the most-used functions of a electrical stimulator's controller into a small, thin pocket controller that is not only comfortable to carry in a pocket, but can also be attached to a key ring, lanyard, or other such carrying device for ease of daily use. A separate patient controller charger is used to charge and control the implanted medical device.

Abstract: A toothbrushing monitoring device for a user includes a sensor coupled with the toothbrush for measuring toothbrushing patterns, a recording device coupled with the sensor, and a comparator. The recording device records data relating to the user's preferred toothbrushing patterns in a first mode, which is used to establish toothbrushing pattern reference data. The comparator compares toothbrushing patterns measured by the sensor and the toothbrushing pattern reference data, which may be output to an output device. In one example, the sensor consists of only an accelerometer.

Abstract: A method for monitoring chest compressions using a compression member includes measuring a force exerted by the compression member, measuring a displacement of the compression member, providing a chest stiffness function representing the relationship between force and displacement based on values derived from the measured force and the measured displacement, and analyzing linearity of the chest stiffness function. Embodiments of the invention also include devices for performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laparoscopic apparatus. In particular, it relates to an apparatus for the training of medical professionals, particularly those engaged in the field of laparoscopic surgery. The apparatus comprises a housing; an opening in the housing through which a laparoscopic tool can pass; retaining means in operative association with the opening and adapted to guide the laparoscopic tool through the opening, the retaining means providing resistance to movement of the laparoscopic tool. Accordingly, the present invention provides a realistic surgical experience by mimicking the sensation of carrying out surgical techniques on a patient.