Abstract: An inflatable exhibit of a heart includes an inflatable infrastructure inflatable to a three-dimensional partial representation of the heart at a scale greater than at least, 10:1, but more preferably greater than 20:1, and most preferably, greater than 25:1. The infrastructure includes a cross-sectional plane thereacross. The exhibit further includes a walk-through passageway defined, at least, in part by the inflated infrastructure, and extending through the inflated infrastructure. The cross-sectional plane defines a plane of the passageway.

Abstract: A system for training users of laparoscopic cameras includes geometric targets disposed in spaced relation upon a base such that acquiring a laparoscopic view of each geometric target requires a change in the orientation of a laparoscopic camera. Each geometric target has disposed thereon an image of the same geometric shape, and each geometric target has an orientation line disposed thereon. The system accommodates both straight and angled laparoscopes. A method for training a person includes providing a system described above and allowing the person to use the laparoscopic camera to acquire images geometric targets. A preferred method includes the steps of having the user repeatedly acquire geometric targets with a 0 degree laparoscope until the measured time is less than a first time threshold and then having the user repeatedly acquire geometric targets with an angled laparoscope until the measured time is less than a second time threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromechanical pumping system for simulating the beating of heart in a cardiac surgery training environment. A computer-controllable linear actuator is used to control the electromechanical pumping system. In a preferred embodiment, the electromechanical pumping system is linked to a porcine heart. The heart is made to beat by inserting intra-ventricular balloons placed inside the heart and connected to the pumping system. When controlled by the electromechanical pumping system, the porcine heart is able to display normal and abnormal beating rhythms, as well as ventricular fibrillation. In addition, an electronic pressure sensor incorporated into the pumping system can be used to trigger a ventricular fibrillation mode when the porcine heart attached to the pumping system is handled by a trainee surgeon.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for enabling the learning of a portion of anatomy. The system of the present invention comprises a learner; an envelope worn by the learner, another person, or an animal; media to instruct the learner on anatomy; and an annotation tool enabling the learner to annotate the anatomy on the envelope. The present invention may be used for any part of human or non-human anatomy.

Abstract: A physical model representing an anatomic model of the abdominal wall that provides for the option of: tactile feedback, the option for photo realism, the inclusion of various pathologies (including, but not limited to, abdominal wall defects such as hernia), and the customizability to mount the model to various training boxes or frames. This medical/anatomic simulation model is composed of various material layers including, but not limited to, non-elastomeric and elastomeric materials such as papers, fabrics, metallic sheets, metallic meshes, rubber-like foams, and other materials. This is a physical/mechanical model that simulates skin, tissue, and organs associated with abdominal wall morphology and pathology.

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: The invention relates to a phantom for simulating the ultrasound guided insertion of a needle in a blood vessel of a human body site. The phantom comprises: a skin mimicking layer (2), formed in a first material; —a tissue mimicking layer (3), formed in a second material and at least one artificial blood vessel (4a, 4b, 4c), formed in a third material, the first, second and third material being arranged to reproduce both the mechanical and the ultrasound properties of the corresponding parts of the human body site. Thanks to the invention, the phantom permits a realistic simulation of a human body site behavior.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for studying the dissolution of particles in the air/blood barrier of the respiratory tract. A device for simulating the interaction of particles (203) delivered to the air/blood barrier of the respiratory tract comprises: a perfusion chamber (101) adapted to receive and deliver a flow of perfusion fluid; a semi permeable membrane (205) coated on one side with a barrier layer (204) adapted to interact with the particles; and a first sheet formed organ (202) having a surface distributed with the particles. The membrane (205) is arranged to be a fluid contact with the perfusion fluid, while the first sheet formed organ (202) is arranged to contact the barrier layer (204) of the membrane (205), in order to simulate the dissolution of the particles (203) in the air/blood barrier when perfusion fluid flows through the perfusion chamber (101), along the membrane (205).

Abstract: A surgical simulator is disclosed. The simulator includes at least one tracking system configured to track movement within a body form, including movement of an instrument located partially within the body form, and a computer receiving data from the tracking system and outputting data to a display. A display displays a virtual background including a virtual image of at least a portion of the instrument, virtual movement of the instrument, and a virtual image of at least one organ. The simulator also includes a physical model corresponding to the at least one organ and located within the body form, the physical model providing haptic feedback when contacted by the instrument.

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: The illustrative embodiment is a simulation system for practicing vascular-access procedures without using human subjects. The simulator comprises a data-processing system and a haptics device. The haptics device provides the physical interface at which an end effector, which is representative of a medical instrument (e.g., a needle, catheter, etc.), is manipulated with respect to a haptics-device base to simulate instrument insertion. The data-processing system, by exchanging signals with the haptics device, provides a three-dimensional simulation that includes the resistive forces that a medical practitioner would experience if the simulated procedure were an actual procedure that was being performed on a real anatomy (e.g., human arm, etc.). The simulator displays the ongoing simulation and assesses the performance of its user.

Abstract: A clipboard including a board having first and second surfaces, a clip integral with the first surface, and a plurality of recesses formed in the second surface, the recesses are adapted to receive one or more models.

Abstract: A training apparatus, model, system, and method are disclosed that allows any trainee to train to perform surgeries in areas of the human body that include one or more nerves. The training model is configured to mimic one or more areas of the human anatomy in which the procedure is going to be performed that contains nerves by providing a realistic anatomical model of the area of interest. A neural element is positioned in the anatomical area of interest that is configured to behave like a real nerve. A neural monitoring system is utilized to ensure that while using specially designed surgical tools or devices during the procedure, the surgeon is trained to avoid taking actions that would adversely affect the functionality of the nerves located in this area after the surgery.

Abstract: A mannequin representing a human body, anatomically particularized, adult aged and real sized with real motions. Special care is posed in selecting the materials in order to resemble the natural texture of human tissues. The aim of the mannequin is to allow the acquisition of medical skills in the field of pain management (peripheral anaesthesia techniques, vessels cannulation, port-a-cath implantation) through interchangeable modules simulating a plurality of anatomical variabilities (“drawers”).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for etiologic-based breath simulation and/or ventilator test platforms that provide operator-configurable breathing patterns, patient respiratory muscular effort waveform characteristics and patient parameter values. According to one embodiment, multiple respiratory muscle effort waveform specifications, each of which have associated therewith one or more waveform parameters, are provided for use by a breathing effort generator. The waveform specifications include (i) a specification based upon an empirical model that approximates clinically-observed, patient-generated muscle pressures, (ii) a specification based on configurable etiology-driven templates and/or (iii) a specification based on a configurable piecewise trajectory template. A waveform engine of the breathing effort generator is configured in accordance with a selected waveform specification and corresponding waveform parameter values.

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 an end effector (e.g., medical instrument, such as a needle, catheter, etc.) is manipulated to simulate needle insertion, etc. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the haptics device includes a receiver. The receiver receives the end effector when it's inserted by a user into the haptics device. Sensors that are associated with the receiver monitor the motion and position of the end effector, generate signals indicative thereof, and transmit the signals to the data processing system. The signals are processed to determine the effects of manipulation of the end effector.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for manufacturing anatomically and functionally accurate soft tissue phantoms with multimodality characteristics for imaging studies is disclosed. The organ/tissue phantom is constructed by filling a container containing an organ having inner vasculature therein with a molten elastomeric material; inserting a plurality of rods with bumps thereupon through the container and the organ; allowing the molten elastomeric material to harden and cure; removing the organ; replacing the organ with a plurality of elastomeric segments; and removing an elastomeric segment and replacing the void created thereupon with molten PVA to create a PVA segment; allowing the molten PVA segment to harden and cure; and repeating the creation of PVA segments until all the elastomeric segments have been removed, such that each successive molten PVA segment adheres to and fuses with the previous hardened PVA segment so as to form an approximately complete organ phantom cast.

Abstract: An instructional toy, comprising: a doll having an outside portion and an inside portion, the inside portion removably containing at least one body part; a book having a related shape of the at least one body part being substantially the same size and shape as the at least one body part and indicia on at least one page of the book related to the at least one body part.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for evaluating medical device performance are provided. A corresponding method may include deploying an implantable medical device into an apparatus for evaluating performance of an implantable medical device. The apparatus may include a support structure and simulated tissue operatively associated with the support structure. The method may further include manipulating the support structure and/or the simulated tissue to simulate physiological forces on the implantable device.

Abstract: A wearable wound simulant including a skin replica having the appearance of a particular region of the human body, examples including but not limited to a leg, arm, torso, or stomach, and a wound disposed along the skin replica is described. The skin replica includes a plurality of bendable layers arranged to replicate the visual and tactile properties of human tissues and at least one tear resistant layer comprised of a fabric material disposed between two bendable layers. The tear resistant layers are less stretchable than the bendable layers so as to prevent the bendable layers from stretching beyond their failure threshold. Design elements of the present invention facilitate the visual, tactile, and functional aspects of a battlefield wound so as to allow for the diagnosis of injuries associated therewith.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment is a simulation system that provides realistic training and practice for 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 for performing vascular-access procedures by manipulating a needle/catheter module to simulate needle insertion, etc. Some embodiments of the system include a palpation module, a skin-stretch module, or both. The palpation module provides an ability to practice palpation and occlusion techniques, while the skin-stretch module provides an ability to practice a skin-stretch technique.

Abstract: A word puzzle device, method and apparatus, is disclosed which is based on the popular “find a word,” and “form a word” games. The puzzle employs logical structures to scramble an initial board display of characters, and requires a player to reconstruct the scrambled board before finding predefined words hidden in the display. The logical structures include a shift process, and a cause/effect process to change the position of characters in the display, or to replace characters with other characters based on predefined rules. When playing “form a word” game, a player is permitted to shift rows and/or columns, and/or activate control points to replace characters, to form as many new words as possibly can within a predetermined period of time. The puzzle device includes means to store a plurality of games, and input control mechanisms to enable a player to interact with the device. The device keeps a score that measures the player's skills in solving the word puzzle.

Abstract: The invention consists of a hands-on, physically simulated human or animal body interior, containing physically simulated representations of all of the solid organs, hollow viscera, bladders, glands, major ducts, large and medium-sized blood vessels, muscle groups and interstitial tissues. The organs and vessels are life-sized and are composed of molded or sculpted open cell or closed cell foam rubber of varying density and load deformation, matching the physical properties of the specific biologic organs or tissues simulated. The organs, tissues and vessels may be treated with pigments, sealants and/or hardening agents to reflect the contours, appearances, densities, textures, elasticity, and deformability of normal or pathologically-altered internal organs and tissues. Organs contain molded vascular channels, reversibly attached to the larger blood vessels of the simulator. The model has a pressurized, watertight, simulated vascular system, monitored by electronic sensors.

Abstract: A cardiovascular flow system includes: a cardiovascular model system, a pump system in fluid connection with the cardiovascular model system, and an ECG simulator in communicative connection with the pump system. The ECG simulator system is adapted to create and transmit a simulated ECG signal. The ECG simulator system uses a signal received from the pump system to adjust the simulated ECG signal transmitted from the ECG simulator system. The cardiovascular flow system further includes an injection port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with an injector to inject at least one fluid into the system.

Abstract: An anatomical model comprising: a lumen structure; a frame; and movable connections selectively supporting the lumen structure to the frame.

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: Apparatus for checking anaesthesia and ventilation devices, in the form of a test lung, comprising a lung sac, elastically deformable lobes, an inlet nozzle and adjustment means for adjusting the simulation parameters, the test lung being in the form of a compact unit and permitting the simulation of different lung types by adjustment of the lung parameters.

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: An educational simulator for transesophageal echocardiography device, which includes a human phantom patterned after a human upper body having a neck, an esophagus and a stomach which communicate with each other, and a heart, a dummy probe which is patterned after a genuine ultrasonic probe and of which the tip is embedded with a magnet, a sensor which detects the insertion length and rotation angle of the dummy probe and is placed in the said neck, magnetic sensors which sense the magnetism of the said magnet, a three-dimensional image data archive which stores three-dimensional image data of echocardiography, a CPU which calculates the position, inclination and direction of the dummy probe on the basis of information from each said sensor and clips tomographic image data from the three-dimensional image data on the basis of the calculation, and a display section which shows the clipped tomographic image data as two-dimensional images.

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 subject matter relates to medical training methods and models. In one embodiment, the invention provides for devices and methods of training paracentesis procedures. In another embodiment, the subject matter provides for devices and methods of training thoracentesis procedures. In yet another embodiment, the present subject matter provides for a training methods and model for performing lumbar punctures.

Abstract: An inoculation training kit contains a simulated body part and at least one inoculation needle, allowing a user to practice inoculations upon the simulated body part.

Abstract: A simulator includes a motor and a flexible member coupled to the motor. The simulator further includes a processor that is coupled to the motor and controls the motor to vary the tension of the flexible member.

Abstract: A deformable phantom apparatus for simulating motion of a patient's anatomy in 3D during breathing, the apparatus comprising a chamber fillable with a first fluid, a deformable member comprising tissue equivalent material of the anatomy being simulated, the deformable member being positionable within the chamber in the first fluid and having an open end in fluid communication with a second fluid outside the chamber in use; and a mechanism for causing the second fluid to flow through the open end to deform the deformable member between a normal state and a deformed state to simulate motion during breathing.

Abstract: The ultrasound training mannequin (100) is a device that provides a realistic medical training device for use by medical personnel, especially those in the field of emergency medicine, to gain experience in applying and analyzing the results of common ultrasound examinations. The mannequin (100) comprises a life-size model of the male torso. The mannequin (100) has a simulated human skin (20) and tissue structure (22) made of a silicone. Internal organs, such as the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, gall bladder, urinary bladder, and spleen are placed inside the model in their normal occurring relative positions. Heavier organs are modeled with a variable density silicone material to simulate the actual sonic density of these organs. The lungs are modeled with a variable density foam material to simulate the sonic density of actual lungs. The mannequin (100) also includes artificial venous and arterial channels emanating from and terminating at the heart.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to teach individuals information about items, including the human body and body parts utilizing edible prototypes, such as body parts constructed of chocolate. According to one embodiment, an educational learning kit is provided for teaching the different parts, textures and workings of at least one part of the human body, the kit comprising: an edible prototype of a body part, having at least two layers and being anatomically correct in texture and placement and an educational card corresponding to the body part containing information the contains information including the function of the body parts.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for simulating digestion of a foodstuff, which apparatus comprises: (a) an outer containment vessel into which fluid can be introduced and removed via at least one orifice, and (b) an inner digestion chamber comprising a rigid portion (240) through which the foodstuff can be introduced and a flexible portion (250) which tapers from the rigid portion to an aperture (260) from which the foodstuff can be removed wherein said inner chamber is se?urable within the outer vessel such that reversible alteration of fluid pressure within the outer vessel causes reversible partial compression of the flexible portion for mixing foodstuff present therein.

Abstract: A three-dimensional sarcomere muscle cell teaching model which contracts and extends. A slide mechanism and support base allows opposing rigid walls which represent sarcomere cell Z-Band structures to slide in relation to one another. A rigid wall representing the sarcomere cell M-Line structure is positioned between the Z-Band structures. A plurality of rods representing Myosin Rods extends outward on each side of the M-Line structure toward the Z-Band opposing structures. Other rods, representing Actin Rods, extend from each of the Z-Band structures toward the M-Line structure. Each Actin Rod corresponds to one or more Myosin Rods, is positioned between the M-Line and Z-Band structures, and slide past one another when the Z-Band structures are moved. Opposing tension is applied to the Myosin Rods to maintain them in position between the Z-Band structures. Filaments extend from the Actin and Myosin Rods to simulate the interaction between the Actin and Myosin Rods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for simulating organ dynamics includes generating a sequence of three-dimensional models of an organ during different stages of observed dynamic motion, generating a deformation transfer function from the sequence of three-dimensional models, parameterizing a pressure-volume curve from measured physiological data, and generating an organ deformation model that simulates dynamic motion of the organ.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic anatomical models that are designed to enable simulated use testing by medical device compam'es, 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: The present invention teaches a medical procedure training system based on a PC platform that provides multimodal education within a virtual environment. The system integrates digital video, three-dimensional modeling, and force-feedback devices for the purpose of training medical professionals medical procedures.

Abstract: A system for providing realistic sensation within a simulation system by providing tactile (haptic) feedback to a user. The system includes an engageable practice tool that the user engages and a mechanical simulation apparatus coupled to the practice tool. The mechanical simulation apparatus includes a ground member, a mechanical linkage rotatably coupled to the ground member, a linear axis member coupled to the practice tool and the mechanical linkage, at least four actuators coupled to the ground member, sensors for sensing movement of the actuators, and at least three cables in contact with the at least four actuators and coupled to the mechanical linkage. An interface device is coupled to the simulation apparatus and a host computer is coupled to the interface device for implementing an application program. The application program provides signals for the actuators to move the cables and thereby move the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the prediction of the course of a catheter between a starting and a target location in a vessel system. According to a preferred embodiment, a micro-catheter will be modeled by a micro-catheter tube (MT) following a micro-catheter center line (MC) through the vessel system, wherein said center line is composed of an alternating sequence of straight-lined sections and curved sections. The curved sections are introduced at locations where the micro-catheter tube contacts the vessel wall and/or turns into a side branch of the vessel system.

Abstract: A training device for blood vessel surgery (1) according to the present invention is characterized in that the plural tubes (5) are fixed in parallel on a sheet (2). Preferably, a tube set (3) may comprise plural tubes (5) arranged in parallel at the same direction on the sheet (2) the plural tube sets (3) may be arranged on the sheet (2) and the arrangement direction of the each tube set (3) may be different from each other.

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 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 method and a system for simulating the minimally invasive medical procedure of bilio-pancreatic duodenoscopy. The system is designed to simulate the actual medical procedure of bilio-pancreatic duodenoscopy as closely as possible by providing both a simulated medical instrument, and tactile and visual feedback as the simulated procedure is performed on the simulated patient. Particularly preferred features include a multi-path solution for virtual navigation in a complex anatomy. In addition, the system and method optionally and more preferably incorporate the effect of dynamic contrast injection of dye into the papilla for fluoroscopy. The injection of such dye, and the subsequent visualization of the bilio-pancreatic organ system in the presence of the duodenoscope, must be accurately simulated in terms of accurate visual feedback.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for training medical professionals to perform a nerve block procedure. The system may include a nerve electrode at least partially inserted in a conductive gel and an NSMRD supplying a current signal to a needle which is inserted in the gel. The system may also include a processing arrangement which is connected to the NSMRD. The processing arrangement receives a transmitted current from the nerve electrode via the needle and measures a voltage drop. The measured voltage drop increases as a distance between the needle and the nerve electrode decreases.

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.