Abstract: Region of interest (ROI) corresponding to a soft tissue mass are tracked in a training video acquired by sonography. The locations of the ROI are used to construct a directed graph in which each node represents a location of the tracked ROI, and the edges represent temporal relations of the ROIs. The soft tissue mass can also be tracked using the graph, and appropriate treatment can be delivered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth to be used in a jaw tooth model which allows students under dental training to experience oral works and therapeutic practices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tooth to be used for experiencing morphological studies in the formation of an anchor tooth, the formation of a cavity and so on, particularly a tooth to be used in a jaw tooth model provided with standards for evaluating tooth formation, a method of producing the same, and an apparatus for confirming tooth formation to be used in a jaw tooth model which is provided with standards for evaluating tooth formation.

Abstract: A surgical teaching aid may comprise: a) a cast of a body part; and b) a flexible member disposed within the cast. A mold for a surgical teaching aid may comprise: a) a mold of a body part; and b) one or more flexible members disposed within the mold and operably coupled to the mold of a body part. A method for manufacturing a surgical teaching aid may comprise: a) disposing a flexible member within a mold of a body part; and b) disposing a hardenable composition within the mold.

Abstract: System and methods of displaying one or more vessels, particularly blood vessels and more particularly coronary arteries, are disclosed. Each of the one or more vessels is associated with an outline of a tube generated from a set of image data. For a viewing point, a depth image is calculated by projecting a plurality of rays from the viewing point and, for each of the plurality of rays, determining distance between the viewing point and the point of intersection of ray and any of the tubes. The surrounding area of the one or more vessels within a bounding viewing box is extracted, interpolated and rendered, and the depth image of the surrounding area is calculated. Then, an image of the one or more vessels and their background information concerning data surroundings the vessels generated based on the depth image is displayed.

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 system for medical training includes an anatomical simulator modeled after at least a portion of a body, the simulator including at least one external surface, and at least one cavity in fluidic communication with the external surface via a cavity. The system further includes at least one internal sensor positioned at an internal location of the anatomical simulator, the internal sensor positioned to receive an internal input based on forces applied from within the cavity, at least one external sensor positioned at an external location of the anatomical simulator and to receive an external input based on forces applied to the external surface, and a feedback display system in communication with the sensors to simultaneously record external sensor readings from the at least one external sensor and internal sensor readings from the at least one internal sensor and at least one time measurement device.

Abstract: A simple to use, inexpensive and readily portable surgical practice and teaching kit is described that includes in portfolio form a two layer practice suturing pad including a latex rubber layer simulating human skin attached to a plastic foam layer that simulates underlying human tissue, the foam layer having incorporated therein simulated subcutaneous growths or lesions such as simulated lipomas or sebaceous cysts. The practice pad is mounted on a folder or portfolio for convenient access and use by the student or practitioner, the portfolio also including pictorial illustrations showing various proper suturing techniques as a visual guide to the user in practicing suturing procedures.

Abstract: Presented is packaging for supplying disposable personal care products to a caregiver and for enhancing toilet training of a child, the packaging including a storage bin having a storage bin bottom and a reclosable cover and defining an interior space; a plurality of disposable personal care products disposed in the interior space; and an informational item adapted to teach the caregiver to use the storage bin to enhance toilet training. Also presented is a method for toilet training a subject, the method including providing a storage bin having a storage bin bottom and a reclosable cover and defining an interior space, wherein a plurality of disposable personal care products disposed in the interior space; and instructing a caregiver to incorporate use of the storage bin into toilet training.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for demonstrating an absorbent product. The apparatus includes a torso-shaped manikin on which an absorbent product can be donned. An inlet is positioned on the manikin to receive synthetic urine, a first outlet is positioned on the manikin to correspond to male anatomy, and a second outlet is positioned on the manikin to correspond to female anatomy. A passageway is positioned in the manikin to direct synthetic urine from the inlet toward the first and second outlets. A method and kit are also provided for demonstrating the absorbent product.

Abstract: An anatomical apron configured for illustrating an ostomy surgical procedure is provided. The apron includes a body portion having a neck loop attached thereto that is configured to loop around a person's neck so that the body portion covers a frontal area of the person's body. The apron includes one or more pieces of material fashioned as human body organs fastened to the apron body. A first flap is attached to the apron body and configured to cover a portion of the one or more pieces of material fashioned as body organs, wherein the first flap may be fastened in a covered position. The apron also includes one or more slits positioned in the first flap configured such that one or more of the pieces of material fashioned as human body organs may be routed through so as to illustrate a surgical procedure.

Abstract: In the field of virtual reality, virtual tool manipulation systems and related methods and software are described in the present disclosure. One implementation of a virtual tool manipulation system, among others, comprises a motion tracking system configured to generate motion information related to the position of a part of a user's body. The virtual tool manipulation system also comprises a haptic feedback system configured to provide a haptic sensation to the user based on the motion information, the position of a virtual tool, and characteristics of the virtual tool.

Abstract: Surgical training models of the abdominopelvic region of male and female human patient's bodies to assist in training an operator in microsurgical techniques are disclosed. The surgical training models may be used in training in implantation of implantable medical devices, e.g., in the performance of surgical procedures using particular sling implantation tools to implant a urethral sling to support the urethra or bladder to treat incontinence.

Abstract: A mannequin suitable for testing absorbent articles has a surface having a coefficient of friction of 0.8 to 1.28 as measured by the Coefficient of Friction Test disclosed herein and a contact angle of 94 to 106 degrees as measured by the Contact Angle Test disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the mannequin may further have an indentation value of 3 to 7 kPa over the range of 0 to 4 mm of depth as measured by the Indentation Test disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the mannequin may further have a transmittance value of 50 to 90 percent, a haze value of 8 to 65 percent, and a clarity value of 10 to 80 percent as measured by the Optical Characteristics Test disclosed herein.

Abstract: Anatomic models of the abdominopelvic region of a male human patient's body to assist in demonstrating or in training medical personnel in microsurgical techniques are disclosed. The anatomic models preferably demonstrate the passage of elongated medical instruments through the perineum to or into the prostate. The anatomic models preferably comprise a substantially transparent elastomer body mass encasing a relatively rigid skeletal frame and at least a prostate model. The elastomer mass is shaped to simulate the perineum overlying the prostate between a penis model and an anal opening.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a method of simulating a manual interventional operation by a user on the internal system of a body with at least two real instruments (3, 4, 5), with a device (6) comprising a longitudinal track (8), a plurality of moveable carriages along said track, each carriage having clamping means, means for rotating and moving longitudinally said real instrument, visuals means, processing means for simulating a medical procedure and providing visual elements on said visual means and feed back means (18) for receiving and transmitting to the user hand (19) a feed back force from said real instrument with respect to simulation characteristic. The method comprises the steps of recognizing a real instrument (23) to be fit within said clamping means, said real instrument within said clamping means to be moved longitudinally and rotated by the user and simulating said interventional operation after modelling (22) said internal system with a mesh geometry.

Abstract: A cap composition that can mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece, the cap composition having a cap; a cap element having a design that includes a shape and characteristic dimensions that enable the cap to mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece; and a speaker attached to and positioned on or at least partially within the cap, such that when the cap is attached to the stethoscope headpiece, the speaker is either touching or proximate to the stethoscope diaphragm such that a sound or signal emitted by the speaker can cause the stethoscope diaphragm to vibrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating a hypertonic condition such as spasticity in a movable extremity are described. The apparatus includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a sensor-adapted for quantifying force or pressure. The apparatus further includes a data communication device adapted for transmitting data signals obtained from the accelerometer, said gyroscope, and said sensor for processing and real-time display. The method includes the steps of moving the extremity through a range of motion about an axis of rotation. During the movement of the limb parameters such as acceleration, angular velocity, the force applied to the extremity, and the time duration to move the extremity through the range of motion are all measured.

Abstract: A tissue mimicking phantom is disclosed, in which the tissue-mimicking phantom comprises: at least an upper gelatin layer, each configured with at least a sunken area; at least a lower gelatin layer, each disposed beneath the at least one upper gelatin layer while being configured with at least a microchannel network having blood-mimicking fluid flowing therein; and at least a micro-heater. By the use of the sunken area of the at least one upper gelatin layer to simulate shapes and depths of different trauma wounds, the healing of anyone of the trauma wounds can be accessed clinically through a physical properties test while subjecting the trauma wound under different negative pressures and different dressings.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for simulating portable medical diagnostic instrument where an instructor interface is configured to communicate simulated medical information to simulated portable medical diagnostic instrument for teaching purposes to allow a trainee to read the simulated information on the simulated medical diagnostic instrument in a simulated real life environment.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus and teaching system utilizing the apparatus are disclosed which includes a computer with input and output devices and a simulation apparatus including a housing, where the housing includes a tactile output subsystem for simulating pressure pulses corresponding to a pulse, an audio output subsystem for simulating heart sounds or other bodily sounds and a visual output subsystem for simulating visual attributes associated with a given condition. The output subsystem are under computer control and via interaction with a user, the computer will instruct the output subsystem to generate the symptoms associated with a given condition in a temporally correlated or simultaneous manner so that a user will be able to experience the visual, audio and tactile attributes associated with a given condition.

Abstract: A dynamic human model is jointed and movable and provides an aid for understanding, studying, and mastering the structure of the human body. In one embodiment, the dynamic human model includes a skeleton model having a plurality of bone elements coupled together by articulating joints, and muscles attachable to the bone elements. The muscles are flexible for contracting and stretching. At least one of the muscles has one or more optical elements incorporated therein for generating a first color when the muscle is contracted and a second color when the muscle is stretched.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic anatomical models, methods of making and using same, that are designed to enable simulated use testing by medical device, pharmaceutial, and consumer product developers. These models are unique in possessing a level of complexity that allows them to be substituted for either a live animal, an animal cadaver, or a human cadaver in the testing of such products. These models are further characterized by a similarity of geometry, individual component physical properties, and component-to-component interfacial properties with the appropriate target tissue and anatomy. Specifically exemplified herein are models comprising living cells disposed in or on at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic anatomical models that are designed to enable simulated use testing by medical device companies, medical device designers, individual inventors, or any other entity interested in the performance of medical devices. These models are unique in possessing a level of complexity that allows them to be substituted for either a live animal, an animal cadaver, or a human cadaver in the testing of these devices. These models are further characterized by a similarity of geometry, individual component physical properties, and component-to-component interfacial properties with the appropriate target tissue and anatomy.

Abstract: Conductive elastomeric circuits are used in various simulated physiological structures such as tissues and organs, enabling feedback to be provided indicating whether a simulated task is being performed correctly. For example, a surgical trainer has a simulated human tissue structure made of an elastomeric composition, at least one reinforcing layer of a fibrous material, and at least one flexible electrical circuit. The surgical trainer preferably includes multiple areas for practicing surgical skills, each with evaluation circuits for providing feedback regarding that skill. Conductive elastomers are also incorporated into other types of medical training simulators, to similarly provide feedback. In another embodiment, a simulated organ has a conductive elastomeric circuit in the periphery of the simulated organ, enabling feedback to be provided to evaluate whether a person is properly manipulating the organ in response to a manual applied pressure.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a half mirror for allowing light incident from the rear to pass through to the front and reflecting light incident from the front toward the front, a display section placed at the rear of the half mirror, an image pickup section for picking up an image of the user and generating user image data, an image data retention section for retaining a plurality of pieces of attachment member image data, an image combining section for combining the attachment member image data selectively read from the image data retention section and the user image data to generate combined image data, and an image display control section for displaying the combined image data on the display section.

Abstract: A medical training simulator includes contact-less sensors and corresponding detection objects, configured to enable sensor data collected during a training exercise to be used to evaluate the performance of the training exercise. The simulator includes a simulated anatomical structure, at least one contact-less sensor, and at least one detection object. During a training exercise, a spatial relationship between the contact-less sensor and the detection object produces data for evaluating performance of the training exercise. Either the contact-less sensor or the detection object is embedded in the simulated physiological structure, while the other is included in either a support for the simulated physiological structure, or as part of a tool used during the training exercise. Many types of contact-less sensors can be employed, including capacitance sensors, impedance sensors, inductive sensors, and magnetic sensors.

Abstract: An abdominal torso element for a doll incorporates a receiving cavity with a first rotational element mounted in the torso element having an enlarged abdominal surface representing a pregnant abdomen and incorporating an associated fetal cavity. The first rotational element is positionable in a first closed position with the enlarged abdominal surface exterior to the torso element simulating pregnancy and a second open position with the enlarged abdominal surface received in the receiving cavity. A second rotational element is nested within the first rotational element and has an outer surface representing a non-pregnant abdomen. The second rotational element is positionable in a first open position and a second closed position with the non-pregnant abdominal surface exposed simulating a non-pregnant condition. A fetus/baby model is removably received within the fetal cavity and can be viewed and removed/inserted with the first and second rotational elements in the open position.

Abstract: A body part model for a model body part of a human or other animal. The model includes a pullout tab. A base portion has one or more slots therein to accept the pullout tab with the pullout tab having a major surface thereon to display indicia that relate to the model body part.

Abstract: A kit for fabricating various visual models is used to teach students about blood, blood pathology, and the quantitative concepts associated with blood pathology. The kit includes various sized containers that hold colored beads that resemble red blood cells and the various types of white blood cells.

Abstract: A training model for endoscopic investigation and the treatment of hollow organs. The training model includes a chamber intended for accommodating the hollow organ with a chamber wall, at least one inlet fastened in the chamber wall with a coupling device to which the hollow organ can be coupled for the introduction of an endoscope through the inlet into the hollow organ, a connection in the chamber wall to which can be coupled a suction pump for the generation of a negative pressure in the chamber and a moulding in the chamber comprising a cavity into which the coupling device opens out and which is adapted to an outer contour of the hollow organ and into which the hollow organ can be inserted. The generation of a negative pressure allows the hollow organ to be widened in accordance with natural conditions.

Abstract: A medical training manikin (1) to simulate spontaneous breathing, comprising a torso containing at least one pneumatic actuator (3) for obtaining raise of the manikin's chest or stomach. The actuator (3) is connected to an accumulator (7) via a control valve (5), which is designed to let air from the accumulator (7) into the actuator (3). The accumulator (7) is designed to be temporarily connected to an external pneumatic source (8) for filling of the accumulator (7) with a pneumatic pressure adequate for repeated actuations by the actuator (3).

Abstract: The present invention deals with a system (1) for simulating a manual interventional operation by a user (2) on a simulated body with at least two real instruments (3, 4, 5), comprising a longitudinal track (8), a plurality of carriages (9, 10, 11) moveable along said track, each carriage having clamping means (25), and means for rotating and moving longitudinally said real instrument.

Abstract: A system to aid in ultrasound scanning of breast tissue includes a fabric covering, which is adapted to hold the breast tissue in place during scanning, an ultrasonic coupling agent applied to one of the covering or the breast tissue, and a lenticular-shaped pad to cover the nipple of the breast tissue. The pad is placed beneath and held in place by the fabric covering, and the covering is capable of absorbing the coupling agent and conducting ultrasonic energy with minimal interference.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating microlaryngeal surgery. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a larynx model that emulates an actual larynx, the larynx model including an inner passage that includes a vocal fold model support that emulates a portion of an actual vocal fold, and a vocal fold model that emulates tissues of an actual vocal fold, the vocal fold model being adapted to be received by the vocal fold model support of the larynx model.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatus includes clothing depicting a selected body anatomy so that when the clothing is associated with the body to be massaged the clothing presents the location of the body system of interest. Such clothing preferably forms a visual aid that is associated with a body to be massaged that shows (a) the location of a muscle system (with or without labels) perhaps including a split view overlaying muscles and underlying muscles, (b) a skeletal system depicting bony landmarks and origin, insertion and function of attached muscles, (c) a lymphatic system showing circulation paths, (d) the nine regions and quadrants of a human body, and (e) the location of organs and acupressure points including chakras. Such a visual aid would preferably be useful for allowing a student to better comprehend the meaning of terms such as medial, lateral, prone, and supine and the locations of body “landmarks.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic anatomical models that are designed to enable simulated use testing by medical device companies, medical device designers, individual inventors, or any other entity interested in the performance of medical devices. These models are unique in possessing a level of complexity that allows them to be substituted for either a live animal, an animal cadaver, or a human cadaver in the testing of these devices. These models are further characterized by a similarity of geometry, individual component physical properties, and component-to-component interfacial properties with the appropriate target tissue and anatomy.

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: Disclosed are human tissue phantoms mimicking the mechanical properties of real tissue, and methods for manufacturing thereof including the steps of obtaining a computer aided three-dimensional design of a phantom mimicking the tissue in shape and size; fabrication of a mold form facilitating the production of the designed phantom; molding said phantom with the use of two-component silicon gels as a bulk tissue-mimicking material having Young's modulus in the range of 2 to 30 kPa; filling the enclosed volume of said phantom with anatomical and pathological tissue structures mimicking their respective mechanical properties and having Young's modulus in the range of about 30 to 600 kPa; covering said phantom by a protective layer having mechanical properties to a human tissue protective layer; and securing the phantom perimeter on a supporting plate by a rubber barrier.

Abstract: A method of teaching patient care is provided. The method includes providing a medical simulator including a model of at least a portion of a human body. The simulator is configured to execute a simulated medical scenario. The method also includes defining a plurality of palette items, each of the plurality of palette items associated with a physiological state of the simulator, and defining at least one scenario, the at least one scenario including a series of linked palette items. The method also includes selecting a scenario for execution by the simulator, communicating the selected scenario to the simulator, and utilizing the simulator to execute the selected scenario.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a device and a computer software for making an individual model of a jawbone, which are particularly useful in the development of dental implants or pre-operative planning of implants. The method comprises the following steps: making a tomogram of a jawbone perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the jawbone; determining the boundary of the jawbone and the surrounding tissue and the boundary between the compact and spongiosal portion of the jawbone; transforming said boundaries into a two-dimensional profile; and extruding the two-dimensional profile into a three-dimensional volume body model of the jawbone. The volume body model of the jawbone may be combined with the volume body model of an implant and then transformed into a finite element model.

Abstract: A method of effecting an analysis of behaviors of substantially all of a plurality of real segments together constituting a whole human body, by conducting a simulation of the behaviors using a computer under a predetermined simulation analysis condition, on the basis of a numerical whole human body model provided by modeling on the computer the whole human body in relation to a skeleton structure thereof including a plurality of bones, and in relation to a joining structure of the whole human body which joins at least two real segments of the whole human body and which is constructed to have at least one real segment of the whole human body, the at least one real segment being selected from at least one ligament, at least one tendon, and at least one muscle, of the whole human body.

Abstract: A lost candy method for producing polymeric mock human tissue that has to meet an exacting specification comprise producing a batch of cores of a candy material from a sugar composition, and then coating such cores repetitively in pre-polymer material to build up sufficient thickness estimated to be short of or otherwise meeting the specification. After allowing completion of the polymerization process, then testing one polymerized member of the batch for if it meets the specification. If it does, then the remaining members can be tested for it they do too. If not but if things can be remedied by adding additional thickness, then returning to the step of coating with the remaining members of the batch. Otherwise, then returning to the beginning by of producing anew a fresh batch of cores of the candy material, and then coating such repetitively in said pre-polymer material except fewer times as originally.

Abstract: A skeletal system comprising at least two bones and soft tissue. The soft tissue comprises a body and at least two protrusions. Each of the at least two protrusions have an end. At least one of the ends is attached to a first bone and at least one of the ends is attached to a second bone. The soft tissue further comprises a core having a first elasticity and a cladding having a second elasticity. The first elasticity is substantially less than the second elasticity, such that the core substantially limits the elongation of the cladding.

Abstract: A medical training manikin having a body, a model of a lung including inflatable airways communicating with the lung model, and fastener means for selectively attaching the model of a lung to the body. The model of a lung is used to demonstrate various lung functions and ailments.

Abstract: An anatomical pocket model adapted for transporting in one's pocket or the like comprises a flexible, bendable, framework and a flexible, bendable three-dimensional representation of an anatomical body part positioned thereon. The anatomical body part representation is proportionate in size to a real life anatomical body part and facilitates a hands-on educational and demonstrational environment for both doctor and patient.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic phantom used as a training tool by healthcare workers for learning ultrasonic imaging procedures. The phantom is made of a moldable, elastomeric tissue-simulating chemical composition that may be easily processed to create an anthropomorphic phantom: that has the “look and feel” and self-sealing characteristics of human tissue. During the mixing processes, scattering agents and pigments may be added to provide a phantom that simulates the sonographic characteristics on living tissue. The phantom body may contain objects and empty or liquid filled cavities and conduits that simulate normal internal structures and abnormal artifacts and conditions. In one embodiment, hollow rods are disposed longitudinally inside the primary mold that forms blood vessels inside the phantom. When the phantom is removed from the primary mold, the hollow rods are removed thereby forming a hollow conduit.

Abstract: Computer-based system adapted to create a representation of mechanical and flow-mechanical function of a ?V-pump. A mathematical modeling algorithm is used based upon a transforming element adapted to connect different physical domains via a transforming value. The system comprises an upper transforming element (TF1) and a lower transforming element (TF2) each having a flow domain (fd1, fd2) and a mechanical domain (md1, md2), the upper transforming element is provided with a transforming value A1 and the lower transforming element is provided with a transforming value A1+A2, wherein A1 and A2>0. The upper and lower transforming elements are interconnected such that their mechanical domains are connected, said mechanical domains are provided with a control value representing a directional measure (F) arranged to intermittently and simultaneously activate said mechanical domains of the transforming elements. By interconnecting two ?V-pump representations the pumping action of a heart may be simulated.

Abstract: An interactive education system is described for teaching patient care to a user. In one example, the system includes a model of a human body, including lungs, a passage in fluid communication with the lungs, and a breathing valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the passage. The system also includes a pneumatic module for delivering pressurized fluid to the fluid passage. A processor may be used to control the breathing valve. A memory is accessible to the processor for storing instructions for execution by the processor, including instructions for manipulating the breathing valve to regulate the flow of pressurized fluid from the pneumatic module to the lungs. The processor may also produce various physiological indicators, including waveforms, a pulse, etc. The indicators may be prerecorded or dynamically generated. An external device may be used to wirelessly control the processor.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a three-dimensional visualization image of an object such as an organ using volume visualization techniques and exploring the image using a guided navigation system which allows the operator to travel along a flight path and to adjust the view to a particular portion of the image of interest in order, for example, to identify polyps, cysts or other abnormal features in the visualized organ. An electronic biopsy can also be performed on an identified growth or mass in the visualized object. Virtual colonoscopy can be enhanced by electronically removing residual stool, fluid and non-colonic tissue from the image of the colon, by employing bowel preparation followed by image segmentation operations. Methods are also employed for virtually expanding regions of colon collapse using image segmentation results.

Abstract: A three-dimensional surgery simulation system is provided for generating a three-dimensional surgery simulation result of an anatomical part undergoing a simulated surgical procedure. The system includes a display unit, a three-dimensional visual imaging unit, a storage unit for storing a plurality of voxelized three-dimensional model image data sets, an input unit for controlling progress of the simulated surgical procedure, and a computing unit for computing the simulation result data in accordance with the voxelized three-dimensional model image data sets and under the control of the input unit, and for controlling the display unit to permit viewing of the surgery simulation result in three-dimensional form thereon by an operator wearing the visual imaging unit.