Abstract: A medical simulation model is provided for use in medical training, and having a wall defining a chamber, and having a slit in the wall providing access to the interior of the chamber. A pair of rib-cage members is located within the chamber such that adjacent edges of each member are spaced apart from each other. Resilient biasing elements are connected to each rib-cage member and configured such that adjacent edges of the rib-cage members may be brought into contact with each other, or further spaced-apart, against the action of the resilient biasing elements. A conduit is provided to enable fluid to be introduced into the chamber, and a facsimile of a mammalian heart is located within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement and advanced use of the 12 hour and 24 hour insert/facing of the clock to aid as a teaching tool to inform the individual of the time of day or night each organ comes on shift. The insert/facing of the clock will aid in determining which organ is most effective during a certain time of the 24 hour day. The advantage of knowing this will aid in determining which organ is weak. Pain at certain times depicts deficiency/weakness. this invention can be used by professionals in the health arena or by individuals. It also tells the time of the day using the 24 hour clock or the 12 hour clock.

Abstract: Device for simulating variable lung compliance, comprising a structure having two main components (3, 4) between which an artificial lung (1) is situated, the main components (3, 4) being adapted to be moved away from each other by the lung (1) when the lung is inflated and are adapted to move towards one another to force air out of the lung (1) in an exhalation phase; and a biasing means (17, 18) acting to provide a force that acts to move the two main parts (3, 4) towards one another. The biasing means comprises at least one spring (17, 18), which is selectively attachable to impose the force, upon actuation by a spring holding mechanism (22, 32).

Abstract: A portable surgical training device is provided. The trainer includes a top cover spaced apart from a base to form a simulated body cavity for locating model organs that are substantially obscured from the field of view of the user. The top cover includes a video display, fixed insertion ports and interchangeable inserts containing simulated tissue layers. The training device has open sides for demonstrating and training lateral surgical techniques including a simulated or live tissue colon attached to a support leg for simulating transanal minimally invasive surgery. A training endoscope with an adjustable focal length for use with the trainer and, in particular, with optical trocars is disclosed. The surgical trainer can be angled and is well suited for training laparoscopic surgery techniques and demonstrating surgical instruments.

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: Patient simulator systems for teaching patient care are provided. In some instances, the patient simulator systems include a patient body comprising one or more simulated body portions. Generally, the patient simulator systems of the present disclosure provide physiological modeling. In one embodiment, the patient simulator includes a maternal simulator comprising a maternal circulatory model, a maternal cardiac ischemia model, and a maternal respiratory model and a fetal simulator comprising a fetal circulatory model, a fetal cardiac ischemia model, and a fetal central nervous system model. A controller in communication with the maternal and fetal simulators coordinates parameters of the maternal circulatory model, the maternal cardiac ischemia model, the maternal respiratory model, the fetal circulatory model, the fetal cardiac ischemia model, and the fetal central nervous system model to simulate physiological characteristics of a natural mother and fetus.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores data of a plurality of medical images at different imaging angles or different imaging positions with respect to the same region, a display unit which displays the data of the medical image read out from the storage unit, and a control unit which controls the storage unit and the display unit to play back the plurality of medical images as moving images and pause playback of the medical image.

Abstract: A medical training and simulation system includes a plurality of inanimate objects, each being associated with an identification tag which stores an identification code which uniquely identifies an associated object. A database stores information of the objects. A reader reads a respective identification code of a selected object. An information retrieving processor retrieves the stored information which corresponds to the read identification code of the selected object. A device reproduces at least a portion of the retrieved information of the selected object.

Abstract: Injection training devices comprising elements for repeatable and accurate simulation of parenteral injection for training individuals in the administration of one or more medications are provided.

Abstract: Surgical training apparatus including a box having a base and side walls, where the top of the box is substantially open. The box dimensions are scaled so that the open top simulates a body opening through which a surgical procedure is to be performed. At least one elongated, articulated support arm is disposed within the box. At least one suturable surgical practice component is affixed to at least one end of the support arm. The training apparatus may have multiple differently sized openings for providing different constraints to the surgeon, and ported inserts may be provided to allow practice of minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing an organ model comprising; an outer-shape body forming step in which an outer-shape body 120 having regions 16, 17 to be a hollow portion and a structural wall of the organ model respectively is formed by irradiating curing light and cure the photocurable mold resin 12 and support resin 13 supporting the mold resin based on photographed data of a human organ, a mold shell forming step in which a mold shell 10 having outer and inner shell portions 12A, 12B covering outer and inner surfaces of the organ model respectively is formed by removing the support resin 13 from the outer-shape body 120, a filling step in which a space 15 between the outer and inner shell portions 12A, 12B is filled with a flexible injection molding material 20, and a removing step for removing the mold shell 10.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulation of an endoscopy operation. A dummy endoscope (1) is inserted into a unit (2) which monitors the position of the dummy instrument and provides force feedback to the instrument in accordance with a stored software model. A virtual image simulating the view from the endoscope is displayed. Additional simulation is provided of an external condition to the patient body, for example patient orientation (8), external pressure applied to the body (9), (10) and trans-illumination (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a lung simulator apparatus, as well as to a method to ventilate a lung simulator with a ventilator. The lung simulator apparatus comprises an air chamber with a variable volume for an exchangeable gas, which air chamber is connected in parallel with two air conduits, and a gas exchange element for injecting a tracer gas into the air chamber, wherein the volumes of the air conduits are substantially different. The method of simulating lung function comprises filling a first gas into the air chamber, which has a variable volume and which is connected in parallel with the two air conduits, and injecting a second gas into the air chamber, pressing the first and second gas out of the air chamber, and optionally repeating these steps.

Abstract: A model for practicing laparoscopic surgical skills is provided. The model comprises a body having an elongate lumen and a plurality of eyelets connected to an inner surface of the lumen. The plurality of eyelets defines at least one pathway for practicing the passing of at least one needle and suture through the eyelets. The model further includes a staging area with removable objects having apertures configured to be placed onto hook-like eyelets. The model provides a platform for practicing hand-to-hand transfer, depth perception among other skills required in laparoscopic procedures within a confined tubular space. The model may be placed inside a laparoscopic trainer in which the practice is performed in a simulated laparoscopic environment and observed on a video display.

Abstract: A surgical training model that includes a simulated tissue having a tubular shape that is connected to a tissue holder is provided. A portion of the simulated tissue overhangs the distal end of the tissue holder to simulate a cuff-like entry to the vaginal vault or resected intestine suitable for practicing laparoscopic closure of the vaginal vault, intestine or other organ via suturing or stapling. Two concentric tubular structures are also arranged over the same tissue holder. A second model includes two portions of simulated tissue that are held by two holders such that the simulated tissues are adjacent making the model suitable for practicing different types of anastomosis procedures. A third model includes two holders with a single or double tubular simulated tissue structure connected to and spanning a gap between the holders. The model isolates the step of closing a cylindrical opening for the purpose of repeated practice.

Abstract: A surgical training model that includes a simulated tissue having a tubular shape that is connected to a tissue holder is provided. A portion of the simulated tissue overhangs the distal end of the tissue holder to simulate a cuff-like entry to the vaginal vault or resected intestine suitable for practicing laparoscopic closure of the vaginal vault, intestine or other organ via suturing or stapling. Two concentric tubular structures are also arranged over the same tissue holder. A second model includes two portions of simulated tissue that are held by two holders such that the simulated tissues are adjacent making the model suitable for practicing different types of anastomosis procedures. A third model includes two holders with a single or double tubular simulated tissue structure connected to and spanning a gap between the holders. The model isolates the step of closing a cylindrical opening for the purpose of repeated practice.

Abstract: A surgical training device includes a model comprising a simulated tissue portion mounted in selectable tension onto a plurality of posts connected to a base. Each post includes at least one notch configured for retaining the simulated tissue portion. Mounting the simulated tissue portion that is in the form of a sheet in notches of different heights creates an angled installation of simulated tissue upon which surgical techniques such as cutting and suturing can be practiced in a simulated laparoscopic environment. More than one sheet can be mounted and each sheet can be mounted with selectable tension by pulling the sheet more or less as desired onto the posts. One variation includes a simulated tumor disposed between sheets, angled or wobbly posts and textured and imprinted simulated tissue surfaces to provide various levels of dynamism and difficulty for surgical skills training in a laparoscopic environment.

Abstract: A surgical training device is provided. The training device includes a practice model comprising a base with a plurality of eyelets connected to the outer surface of the base. The plurality of eyelets defines at least one predetermined pathway for practicing the passing of at least one needle and suture through the eyelets of the predetermined pathway. Various eyelets are described including angled, flexible, deflectable, interchangeable, retractable, rotatable and ones having apertures of various shapes and sizes. The predetermined pathway is marked with markings on the outer surface of base or with color-coded eyelets. Suture pathways define anatomical pathways as well as differing skill levels. The model provides a platform for practicing hand-to-hand transfer and depth perception among other skills required in laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: An anatomical training apparatus secures a body organ for demonstrating and training a surgical procedure on a body organ. Tubes extend from apertures in a base to orifices in the body organ to stabilize the body organ for surgical training. Training heart surgery is further improved by extending tubes to veins and arteries to not only stabilize the heart for demonstrating surgical techniques, but for forcing fluids to flow through the heart during the training.

Abstract: A doll for educating caregivers about Shaken Baby Syndrome comprises a head portion, a body, and may comprise transparent skin. The head portion may have a simulated brain disposed therein. The head portion is floppably connected to the body. The doll may further comprise a first chamber and a second chamber containing simulated blood, the simulated blood being visible in the first chamber after acceleration experienced during a shaking episode, but otherwise being concealed from view in the second chamber. A plurality of acceleration sensors may be disposed within the doll to detect acceleration experienced during a shaking episode, and the plurality of acceleration sensors may trigger warnings to the caregiver when portions of the doll experience acceleration sufficient to endanger an infant.

Abstract: An artificial body wall is disclosed herein. The artificial body wall may include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is substantially formed of a silicone rubber and includes at least one of an artificial epidermis-dermis layer or an artificial subcutaneous layer. The second layer extends along and below the first layer and is substantially formed of a silicone rubber. The second layer includes at least one of an artificial fascia layer or an artificial muscle layer. At least one of the first layer or second layer may be vascularized.

Abstract: A patient simulator system for teaching patient care is provided. The system includes a patient simulator. The patient simulator includes a patient body comprising one or more simulated body portions. The one or more simulated body portions include a lung compliance simulation system in some instances. In that regard, the lung compliance system is configured to be used with an external ventilator, including positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and assisted-control ventilation. In some instances, the lung compliance system includes a lung compartment, a simulated lung positioned within the lung compartment, where the lung compartment defines an available volume for the simulated lung to expand into and where the available volume for the simulated lung to expand into is adjustable to control a compliance of the simulated lung.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-fidelity three-dimensional surgical training model for demonstrating or practicing surgical techniques. The three-dimensional surgical training model simulates human tissues of the head, neck and shoulders. The three-dimensional surgical training model may comprise a wide variety of defects, including but not limited to various cutaneous defects. The present invention also relates to methods of building and utilizing a three-dimensional surgical training model.

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: 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 is a method whereby a narrowed part similar to an actual lesioned blood vessel can be easily obtained. A mold (10) comprises first and second molded members (16, 17) having inner spaces (29, 40, 57) passing through in the axial direction and an axial member (18) detachably inserted through the individual inner spaces (29, 40, 57) of the individual molded members (16, 17). The molded members (16, 17) have tapered front parts (27, 27) respectively. In the state of facing the front ends (20) of the tapered front parts (27) to each other and thus forming a concave (12), the axial member (18) is attached. A first material (75) made of a mixed material comprising calcium carbonate or the like and silicone or the like is applied to the concave (12). A second material (76) such as silicone is applied to the entire outer periphery of the mold (10). After hardening the materials (75, 76), the mold (10) is withdrawn by detaching the axial member (18) and dividing the concave (12).

Abstract: A demonstration mannequin for simulating insertion of a catheter or other medical device into the body of a patient is disclosed. The mannequin is useful for training clinicians in the placement of a catheter into the patient's vasculature and includes the ability to provide a malposition scenario in which the catheter is deviated from an intended path within the vasculature, resulting in a simulated malposition thereof. In one embodiment, the mannequin comprises a torso body portion and a simulated vasculature disposed within the body. The simulated vasculature is accessible by a medical device, such as a catheter, which can be advanced within the simulated vasculature. The mannequin further includes at least one diversion element that selectively obstructs a portion of the simulated vasculature to block advancement of a distal end of the catheter along an intended path and instead causes diversion of the catheter, thus simulating a catheter malposition scenario.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional molded model that can reproduce the feel of an organ. A three-dimensional shape of a body site subject to molding is extracted from brightness information of two-dimensional data obtained from medical diagnostic devices, and three-dimensional molding data of the body site and the internal structure site thereof is created. The three-dimensional shape data is edited using a modeling function. Respective touch equivalent parameter tables are created. The material type and the formulation ratio of the modeling material used for molding each body site and internal structural site are defined, and added to the touch equivalent parameter tables. Primitive shape data is generated from the parameters of the touch equivalent parameter tables, and a Boolean operation is performed on the body site data and internal structure site data as well as on the primitive shape data. Molding is performed using the defined materials.

Abstract: A self-contained medical needle insertion training system is provided. In various embodiments, the system includes a hollow body having at least one sidewall, a closed end, an opposing open end and an interior chamber. The system additionally includes a closure device structured and operable to mate with the open end to close the interior chamber and a simulated cardiovascular vein disposed along an outer surface of the at least one sidewall, wherein the interior chamber provides a storage space for medical devices to be used in association with the training system. The system also includes a simulated cardiovascular vein having a plurality of fluid reservoirs.

Abstract: System and method for teaching a dental practitioner an appropriate pressure to apply during a dental procedure. The system includes a dental tool for use in a dental procedure and a substrate including a coating of a removable scratch-off material. The scratch-off material is adhered to the substrate so as to have an adherence strength that is specifically configured so that the scratch-off material coating is removable from the substrate by manipulating the dental tool against the scratch-off material coating upon application of a minimum threshold pressure that is substantially equal to that to be applied during a selected actual dental procedure. In this manner, an inexperienced practitioner is able to learn the appropriate magnitude of pressure to be applied during a procedure (e.g., application and burnishing of a hemostatic composition into bleeding soft tissue) in a non-threatening environment without having to actually work on a live, bleeding patient.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a mockup cavity, simulating an actual body cavity of a human subject, wherein walls defining the mockup cavity comprise a tissue equivalent material (TEM). An array of electrodes are embedded in the walls. The apparatus further includes a programmable signal generator, connected to the electrodes, and configured to apply varying potentials to the array of electrodes so as to simulate electrophysiological potentials occurring in the actual body cavity on surfaces of the walls.

Abstract: A method is described and disclosed for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts that may be used, among other things, as an improved analog of the human heart in cardiac simulator systems for training surgical personnel for performing beating heart surgery.

Abstract: A simulating training device for assessment of cervical dilatation is provided. The device includes a supporting platform, a rotating plastic drum rigidly connected to a shaft and having a plurality of rubber-lined holes of varying diameters, a box which covers the rotating drum and has an opening, an indexing mechanism which has a spring-loaded lock and a slotted indexing wheel, a turn wheel which has an indication arrow, and a scale which identifies a diameter of each of the plurality of rubber-lined holes. Rotation of the turn wheel and the slotted indexing wheel causes one of the plurality of rubber-lined holes to be positioned in the center of the opening of the box one at a time. The turn wheel, the rotating drum and indexing mechanism are synchronized such that the indicating arrow of the turn wheel points to the diameter of the positioned hole on the scale.

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: A self-contained medical needle insertion training system is provided. In various embodiments, the system includes a hollow body having at least one sidewall, a closed end, an opposing open end and an interior chamber. The system additionally includes a closure device structured and operable to mate with the open end to close the interior chamber and a simulated cardiovascular vein disposed along an outer surface of the at least one sidewall, wherein the interior chamber provides a storage space for medical devices to be used in association with the training system. The system also includes a simulated cardiovascular vein having a plurality of fluid reservoirs.

Abstract: Conductive elastomeric circuits representing three brachial plexus nerve bundles and sheaths that surround each nerve bundle are embedded in a neck tissue portion of a simulated physiological structure for use in training and evaluating a user in performing a brachial plexus nerve block procedure. An electrically conductive probe is provided for the user to insert within a neck tissue structure and to attempt to contact a sheath, but not the nerve bundle within the sheath of a desired nerve bundle. The probe is electrically coupled to a voltage source. A simulated nerve stimulator is connected to the conductive elastomeric circuits (electrically insulated from each other) and detects when the probe contacts a nerve or sheath, producing an output signal. The output signal is input to a computer that displays a simulated ultrasound image hi-lighting a nerve and/or sheath that has been contacted by the probe, for evaluating the user's performance.

Abstract: A human torso phantom and its construction, wherein the phantom mimics respiratory and cardiac cycles in a human allowing acquisition of medical imaging data under conditions simulating patient cardiac and respiratory motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating an image-guided procedure. The system comprises an input for receiving a three-dimensional (3D) medical image depicting an organ of a patient, a model generation unit for generating a 3D anatomical model of the organ according to the 3D medical image, and a simulating unit for simulating a planned image-guided procedure on the patient, according to the 3D anatomical model.

Abstract: A wearable wound simulant for simulating a battlefield wound is presented. The simulant facilitates a graphically and functionally realistic medical training tool. The simulant includes a skin replica and a wound. The skin replica is shaped to conformably contact and cover a body region either in part or whole. The skin replica further includes a plurality of bendable layers arranged to approximately replicate the visual and tactile properties of human tissue and at least one tear resistant layer composed of a fabric material disposed between two bendable layers. At least one tear resistant layer is less stretchable than the elastic limit of the bendable layers so as to prevent failure thereof. The bendable and tear resistant layers form a self-sealing structure. A three-dimensional wound structure is disposed along the skin replica so as to replicate the appearance and functionality of a penetrating or non-penetrating injury.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an endurance test apparatus whereby the behaviors of a vessel caused by a biomechanical burden can be simulated using a relatively simple constitution so that the endurance of a medical instrument (for example, a stent or an artificial vessel after anastomosis) can be tested in a similar state to an actual vessel, and an endurance test method therefor. Namely, an endurance test apparatus (10) comprises a simulated vessel (31) made of an elastic body, first and second holding members (32, 33) respectively supporting the both ends in the axial direction of the simulated vessel (31) and making the both ends relatively rotatable and interval-adjustable, and first and second motors (14, 15) operating these holding members (32, 33). The simulated vessel (31) is supported by the first and second holding members (32, 33) in a state stretched from its inherent length under a tensile force.

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: Disclosed herein are anatomic models that comprise components that simulate human or non-human animal components. The models may be used for development, experimentation, or training in the field of orthopedic surgical devices, and/or implant devices. The models may also be used for training of students in the medical field for procedures performed in practice, such as for example drawing blood from a patient, or placing a central line in a carotid artery of a patient. In exemplary embodiments, the models comprise structures such as cartilage, tendons, ligaments, organs, luminal structures, and muscles that are made of hydrogel materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to pulse simulation units for use in patient simulators, where the device comprises a base body, an upper actuator body located in parallel above the base body, one leaver body at each longitudinal end of the base body, which in their lower portion is pivotally attached to the base body and in their upper portion is pivotally attached to the actuator body, and at least one shape memory alloy wire attached in one end to the lower portion of each leaver body below the pivotally attachment to the base body and in the other end to the base body, and where the length of the shape memory alloy actuator wire is adjusted such that when no electric pulse is delivered, the length of the wire(s) allow the leaver bodies to be more or less folded in towards the base body and hold the actuator body to form a compressed position at a first distance above the base body, and such that when the actuator wire(s) contract due to exposure to an electric pulse they will rotate the lever bodies some degrees a

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a medical training simulation model having a display enabling training by a simulation model simulating the structure of an organism, and objective and visual recognition of the three-dimensional position of an inserted endoscope, a finger or the like in an organ or tissue.

Abstract: A phantom for prostate cancer brachytherapy has a prostate tissue phantom shaped like a real prostate gland, a perineal tissue phantom surrounding the prostate tissue phantom, a skin tissue phantom separating the perineal tissue phantom from an outside environment, and an enclosure. The prostate tissue phantom is a polyvinyl alcohol cryogel (PVA-C) having undergone 3-5 freeze-thaw cycles and having 10-20% w/w PVA in a solvent (e.g. water), 4-8% w/w oil and an amount of acoustic scattering particles to ultrasonically distinguish the prostate-tissue phantom from its surroundings. The perineal tissue phantom is a PVA-C having undergone 1-2 freeze-thaw cycles and having 10-20% w/w PVA in a solvent, 4-8% w/w oil and an amount of acoustic scattering particles to ultrasonically distinguish the perineal tissue phantom from its surroundings. The skin tissue phantom is a PVA-C having undergone at least 6 freeze-thaw cycles and having 15-25% w/w PVA in a solvent.

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: An interactive simulation tool and viewer is provided where a user can build upon a defined ontology; specify custom displays of dynamic variables; specify custom meshes; edit the topology of a compartmental model to create different scenarios; and create questions that are integrated-with, and based-upon, the simulation. In addition to the authoring portion, the generated simulation scenarios can then be executed and interacted within the viewer.

Abstract: Methods for forming a prostate brachytherapy simulator are provided. A method comprises forming a molded rectum model between tubes secured to a base component of a container. The base component has a first open-bottomed cup that opens to an exterior of the container and a second cup that contains the first open-bottomed cup. The method also comprises forming a molded prostate model from recyclable materials. Additionally, the method comprises placing the prostate model relative to the rectum model. The method also comprises providing a gel-based environment that surrounds the rectum model and the prostate model within a container.

Abstract: A gel formulation for use as simulated tissue for ballistic testing includes a mixture of gelatin, a glycol, such as ethylene glycol, and water. The gel may be formed in a mold to simulate a body part, such as an organ. A ratio of gelatin to glycol may be varied, depending on the body part to be simulated. An anatomic model may be formed by incorporating simulated organs formed with different gelatin to glycol ratios.

Abstract: An aspect of various systems and methods provides, but not limited thereto, novel means for simulating physiological systems and processes in vitro in order to test surgical devices and train practitioners in the use of surgical devices. An aspect of various embodiments further provides in vitro anatomical components, such as a thorax, lungs, heart and pericardium, configured to contain at least one fluid having a pressure-frequency profile that may mimic typical pressure-frequency waveforms of in vivo anatomical fluids. A model communication system may be used to communicate the desired pressure-frequency profiles to the in vitro anatomical fluids. In a further aspect of various embodiments, an access device, e.g. a surgical instrument, configured to sense pressure, frequency, and/or a pressure-frequency profile may be inserted into one or more anatomical components of the in vitro model in order to test the instrument and/or train a practitioner in proper use of the instrument.