Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a shoe and methods for making and using the same. A relative movement can be generated between a platform and a model foot wearing the shoe such that the platform contacts the shoe and the model foot adjusts the shoe via the relative movement. Advantageously, the model foot can be a surrogate to a human foot in adjusting the shape of the shoe. The model foot can stretch the shoe in the same manner as human walk. A person can experience great comfort when wearing the stretched shoe. The model foot can simulate the mechanical characteristics of the natural foot. The model foot can simulate gait of a natural foot and the stretching of the shoe can be further customized.

Abstract: Simulated tissue structures for practicing surgical techniques and methods of manufacturing those structures are provided. In particular, a realistic organ model or simulated tissue portion for practicing the removal of a tumor or other undesired tissue followed by suturing a remnant defect as part of the same surgical procedure is provided. The simulated tissue structures include a polyp simulation having a suturable mesh layer that is separable from a defect layer. A simulated colon model with interchangeable and suturable tissue pods is also provided as is a fully suturable rectum model and a rectum model with integrative suturable and removable polyp zones.

Abstract: Introduced here are teaching system for realistically simulating medical situations in such a manner to test individuals as to the adequacy of their learning. A teaching system may include a manikin representative of a patient, an image projection mechanism, a simulation mechanism, a headpiece, a pair of hand coverings, a controller, a performance review mechanism, a recording device, a scenario generation mechanism, or any combination thereof. The teaching system can improve upon conventional simulation in several respects. First, the script corresponding to a simulation session may be dynamically traversed to mimic the unpredictability of an actual medical situation. Second, the action(s) of an individual may be actively monitored to discover whether her behavior complied with the relevant protocol(s).

Abstract: A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside the frame. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing a number of surgical procedures including but not limited to transanal excisions and transvaginal hysterectomies. Portions of the frame comprises a material adhesively compatible with the material of portions of the simulated tissue model to secure and suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame. The simulated tissue model may also include simulated vasculature configured to loop through apertures in the frame to secure and suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training that include materials that better mimic natural human tissue are disclosed. In one aspect, multi-layer tissue simulations are provided. In another aspect, male genitalia models are provided. In another aspect, abdominal surgical wall inserts are provided. Systems and methods associated with these devices are also provided.

Abstract: An anatomical teaching model includes a replica of male anatomy having a replicated penis integrated with a replicated scrotum. A first cavity is formed in the replicated penis, where the first cavity is adapted to receive an inflatable body of a penile prosthesis. A second cavity is formed in the replicated scrotum, where the second cavity is adapted to receive a pump of a pump of the penile prosthesis. An access port is formed in a distal surface of the replica of male anatomy for access to the first cavity.

Abstract: A surgical training model can have features for training surgical suturing techniques. The training model can be formed as a sheet of simulated tissue having at least one cut with markings arranged on either side of the cut. The markings can be formed of a first layer of resilient simulated tissue material having a color that contrasts with a color of the remainder of the sheet of simulated tissue material. The sheet of simulated tissue material can have several cuts having different configurations and orientations to facilitate suturing training for a variety of tissue orientations. The sheet of simulated tissue material can further include holes positioned to be mounted to a base of a surgical training system. The sheet of simulated tissue material can be manufactured by molding a marking layer and casting a tissue layer over the marking layer.

Abstract: A TME surgical simulator is provided. The TME surgical simulator includes a simulated tissue layers and simulated vasculature and/or organ structures. The simulated tissue surgical simulator is adapted for but not limited to laparoscopic and/or transanal TME surgical procedures.

Abstract: A multifunctional anatomical model for training includes a hand portion coupled to a forearm portion; the forearm portion coupled to a base portion; and the base portion coupled to a female external genitalia portion and a male external genitalia portion. The model is movable into a plurality of stable positions. Each position allows access to one or more features simulating one or more clinical skills and disposed on the hand portion, the forearm portion, the female external genitalia portion, and the male external genitalia portion.

Abstract: A system may include an enclosure with an exterior wall that defines a cavity therein. The exterior wall may have an interior surface and an exterior surface. A projector support may be insertable into the cavity or may be formed as a single piece with the exterior wall such that the projector support supports a projector in a position and orientation in which the projector projects light at the interior surface from within the cavity. The exterior wall may have a thickness and material composition selected such that, in response to projection of light at the interior surface, an image is visible on the exterior surface.

Abstract: A patient simulator system including a simulated head and a simulated fontanelle. The simulated head includes an endoskeleton skull and a skin layer. The simulated fontanelle is incorporated into the skin layer. The endoskeleton skull includes an indented fontanelle region. A fontanelle fitting and a pulse fitting each extend through the endoskeleton skull adjacent the indented fontanelle region. The simulated fontanelle comprises a fontanelle bladder extending within the indented fontanelle region and a pulse bladder extending adjacent the fontanelle bladder. The fontanelle bladder is operably coupled to the fontanelle fitting and communicates with a simulated respiratory system of the patient simulator system to receive either positive or negative pressure, which produces either a swollen or sunken state in the simulated fontanelle.

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: Provided is a pseudo visceral model having a specific texture. A model of viscera, tissues, or organs comprising a foam layer containing a hydrogel.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training that include materials that better mimic natural human tissue are disclosed. In one aspect, multi-layer tissue simulations are provided. In another aspect, male genitalia models are provided. In another aspect, abdominal surgical wall inserts are provided. Systems and methods associated with these devices are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for an integrated female pelvic model that comprises a main body having a front opening with curved edges to define a pliable vulvar opening; and a first compartment having a front portion that is flexibly attached to the curved edges of the main body, an end portion that is disposed within the main body having a first side that is shaped to provide a cervix structure and a second side that is flexibly anchored to a first portion of the main body; and a first channel that extends within the first compartment from the front portion to the end portion of the first compartment, the first channel defining a continuous, flexible vagina ending at the cervix structure.

Abstract: A vaginal cuff surgical model and methods of manufacture and use thereof. The model includes a body (resembling a vaginal cuff) and appendages (resembling uterosacral ligaments) extending from the body. The model (body and appendages) is formed of silicone, rubber, a polymer, or other suitable material with one or more layers of mesh embedded within the polymeric material. The embedded mesh permits suture between the components of the model. The surgical model permits surgical practice of this important component of a total hysterectomy procedure via suturing across the model and to the appendages.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training using a patient simulator, various anatomical inserts, and an integrated camera and computer system are disclosed. In some instances, a surgical simulator is provided that includes a uterine assembly. The uterine assembly simulates the appearance and feel of natural tissue and includes a plurality of materials arranged and dimensioned to simulate anatomic structures such as a right fallopian tube, a left fallopian tube, a right ovary, a left ovary, a uterus having a cervix, a bladder, ureters, a peritoneum, a uterine artery, a uterine vein, a plurality of ligaments, an ovarian artery, an ovarian vein, a perineum, and a vagina. In some implementations, at least the uterine artery, uterine vein, ovarian artery, and ovarian vein are in communication with a fluid supply such that each is pressurized with a blood-like fluid to simulate natural arteries and veins.

Abstract: The invention provides a simulator for training of personnel for immediate postpartum medical treatment, distinctive in that the simulator comprises a representation of an immediate postpartum stage uterus, a cervix, a vagina and a resilience member, the uterus is arranged at an angle to the vagina and the resilience member is arranged for allowing said angle to be straightened out by pressing horizontally forward on the uterus. The invention also provides a simulator for training of personnel for immediate postpartum medical treatment, distinctive in that the simulator comprises a representation of an immediate postpartum stage uterus, a cervix and a vagina, the uterus comprises a transparent top or intermediate layer allowing visual observation, and preferably a removable or foldable non-transparent top layer over the transparent layer.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for determining the location and severity of joint pain in a patient. The sleeve includes sensors in communication with a display device that allow for areas of pain to be quickly and accurately determined. Methods of utilizing the sleeve are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for moving an anatomical model of a fetus inside a mannequin having a birth canal. The system comprises a descent mechanism and a rotation mechanism. The descent mechanism is integrated in the mannequin and can move an anatomical model of a fetus longitudinally towards the birth canal of the mannequin. The rotation mechanism is mounted to the descent mechanism and can rotate the anatomical model of the fetus. The model of the fetus is inserted in the rotation mechanism. Also provided is a childbirth simulator comprising a mannequin with a birth canal, and the aforementioned system integrated in the mannequin for moving an anatomical model of a fetus inside the mannequin.

Abstract: Simulated pregnant abdominal systems and associated devices, systems, and methods are provided. The pregnant abdominal systems allow an interactive scenario simulating a routine gestation palpation of a fetal baby, the performance of an external cephalic version as well as the Leopold's Maneuvers. Further, the pregnant abdominal systems can be used as a platform to physically hear the fetus heartbeat using stethoscope, Doppler instrument, or a prenatal monitor. Further, in some implementations the fetus can be visualized using standard ultrasound systems.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training are disclosed. In some instances, a patient simulator system is provided that includes a maternal patient simulator and a fetal patient simulator. The maternal patient simulator includes an internal chamber sized to receive the fetal patient simulator and a birthing mechanism disposed within the internal chamber configured to translate and rotate the fetal patient simulator with respect to the maternal patient simulator to simulate a birth. In some instances, the fetal patient simulator an internal support structure that includes a head, spinal components, left arm components, right arm components, left leg components, and right leg components with a continuous silicon skin layer covering the internal support structure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training are disclosed. In some instances, a patient simulator system is provided that includes a maternal patient simulator and a fetal patient simulator. The maternal patient simulator includes an internal chamber sized to receive the fetal patient simulator and a birthing mechanism disposed within the internal chamber configured to translate and rotate the fetal patient simulator with respect to the maternal patient simulator to simulate a birth. In some instances, the fetal patient simulator an internal support structure that includes a head, spinal components, left arm components, right arm components, left leg components, and right leg components with a continuous silicon skin layer covering the internal support structure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training using a patient simulator, various anatomical inserts, and an integrated camera and computer system are disclosed. In some instances, a surgical simulator is provided that includes a uterine assembly. The uterine assembly simulates the appearance and feel of natural tissue and includes a plurality of materials arranged and dimensioned to simulate anatomic structures such as a right fallopian tube, a left fallopian tube, a right ovary, a left ovary, a uterus having a cervix, a bladder, ureters, a peritoneum, a uterine artery, a uterine vein, a plurality of ligaments, an ovarian artery, an ovarian vein, a perineum, and a vagina. In some implementations, at least the uterine artery, uterine vein, ovarian artery, and ovarian vein are in communication with a fluid supply such that each is pressurized with a blood-like fluid to simulate natural arteries and veins.

Abstract: This disclosure includes embodiments of apparatuses and methods for simulating the uterus of a human (e.g., for training medical providers to perform sonograms, amniocentesis, ultrasound-guided amniocentesis, and/or other procedures). For example, in at least some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a container with a compartment and an anterior wall that is configured to permit sonogram imaging of the compartment. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a container that is configured to be removably coupled to the abdomen of a live human or human model such that the compartment simulates the uterus of the human or model.

Abstract: The invention provides a simulator for training of personnel for immediate postpartum medical treatment, distinctive in that the simulator comprises a representation of an immediate postpartum stage uterus, a cervix, a vagina and a resilience member, the uterus is arranged at an angle to the vagina and the resilience member is arranged for allowing said angle to be straightened out by pressing horizontally forward on the uterus. The invention also provides a simulator for training of personnel for immediate postpartum medical treatment, distinctive in that the simulator comprises a representation of an immediate postpartum stage uterus, a cervix and a vagina, the uterus comprises a transparent top or intermediate layer allowing visual observation, and preferably a removable or foldable non-transparent top layer over the transparent layer.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator.

Abstract: Simulator systems including a maternal simulator and a fetal simulator are provided. In some instances, the maternal simulator includes a chamber sized and shaped to receive a fetal simulator and a birthing mechanism disposed within the chamber for providing rotational and translational movement to the fetal simulator in a birthing simulation. In some instances, the fetal simulator is configured to be selectively, fixedly engaged with a locking mechanism of the maternal simulator such that the fetal simulator is not removable from the maternal simulator during the birthing simulation when fixedly engaged with the locking mechanism and the fetal simulator is removable from the maternal simulator during birthing simulation when not fixedly engaged with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Device for simulating birth and birth related complications, the device being adapted to be attached to a real human being 5 and having an outer skin 1 with a simulated vaginal opening 6, said opening being adapted to be situated adjacent the lower part of the person 5, further having a simulated uterus 18 adapted to contain a foetus manikin 29, said uterus 18 having an opening 20 coinciding with the vaginal opening 6 of the outer skin 1, said uterus 18 further a uterus simulator 51 for simulating uterus conditions between a simulated atonic state and a simulated contracted state, and further comprising a first conveyor 27 for conveying simulated blood from a blood container 33 to the simulated vaginal opening 6, when the simulated uterus 53 is in the atonic state.

Abstract: The present application relates to systems, methods, and devices for simulating the delivery of a fetus.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator.

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: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training that include materials that better mimic natural human tissue are disclosed. In one aspect a polysiloxane mixture for simulating human biological tissue, especially human breast tissue, is disclosed. In another aspect, a method of manufacturing a biological tissue ultrasound phantom is disclosed. In another aspect, a human breast tissue models are disclosed. In some instances, the human breast tissue model includes at least one simulated pathological structure that simulates such pathologies as a cyst, a medullary carcinoma, a ductal carcinoma, an infiltrating scirrhus carcinoma, a lobular carcinoma, and a fibroadenoma.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method for monitoring or training in ultrasound guided procedures. There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a pregnant woman simulator for simulating ultrasound guided procedures.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training using a patient simulator, various anatomical inserts, and an integrated camera and computer system are disclosed. In some instances, a surgical simulator is provided that includes a uterine assembly. The uterine assembly simulates the appearance and feel of natural tissue and includes a plurality of materials arranged and dimensioned to simulate anatomic structures such as a right fallopian tube, a left fallopian tube, a right ovary, a left ovary, a uterus having a cervix, a bladder, ureters, a peritoneum, a uterine artery, a uterine vein, a plurality of ligaments, an ovarian artery, an ovarian vein, a perineum, and a vagina. In some implementations, at least the uterine artery, uterine vein, ovarian artery, and ovarian vein are in communication with a fluid supply such that each is pressurized with a blood-like fluid to simulate natural arteries and veins.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in playing biotic games having a biologically active material as a component. Various games that provide for one or more human players to interact with biologically active materials are disclosed. The game apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge having a chamber in which a biologically active component such as a single-celled organism or a biologically active compound is contained. A stimulus controller accepts instructions from a human user and provides a stimulus to the biologically active component. A response receiver accepts a signal indicative of a response of the biologically active component. A display is provided to display to the user information indicative of the response of the biologically active component, and a game score. A computer-based game controller includes a set of pre-defined rules of play that define a game and that comprise pre-defined rules of scoring for the game.

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 system and method of teaching various birthing techniques using a uterus apron. The uterus apron comprises at least one layer of material that forms a bulbous cavity. An elastic opening near a narrow portion of the bulbous cavity allows a fetal doll to pass through to simulate various birthing techniques. Strap(s) are used to attach the uterus apron tightly to a model. When the uterus apron is attached to a model, various birthing techniques may be simulated and taught.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method wherein a simulation system having a simulator, a processor, and at least one display is assembled. This includes assembling a birthing mannequin and a mobile cart having at least one touch-screen monitor, wherein the birthing mannequin includes a means for shaking to simulate a generalized seizure. The simulation system is provided along with documentation to a plurality of medical facilities within a system. Training on use of the simulator, different simulations, and criteria for grading performance on the simulations is also provided. The training includes team training for conducting the simulations using the simulation system.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator.

Abstract: Device for simulating birth and birth related complications, the device being adapted to be attached to a real human being 5 and having an outer skin 1 with a simulated vaginal opening 6, said opening being adapted to be situated adjacent the lower part of the person 5, further having a simulated uterus 18 adapted to contain a foetus manikin 29, said uterus 18 having an opening 20 coinciding with the vaginal opening 6 of the outer skin 1, said uterus 18 further a uterus simulator 51 for simulating uterus conditions between a simulated atonic state and a simulated contracted state, and further comprising a first conveyor 27 for conveying simulated blood from a blood container 33 to the simulated vaginal opening 6, when the simulated uterus 53 is in the atonic state.

Abstract: Maternal and fetal birthing simulators are disclosed. The maternal simulator has a rotatable pelvis, legs articulated at the hip and knee joints, and a deformable covering that simulates the feel of the skin and underlying tissues. The fetal simulator has an extensible neck, a movable head, movable clavicles, and arms articulated at the shoulder and elbow joints, and may include sensors to measure spinal extension, head rotation, applied traction force, and brachial plexus displacement.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator.

Abstract: This invention provides a childbirth teaching apparel for a user to demonstrate birth techniques. The childbirth teaching apparel is in the form of a pair of pants with a pair of leg portions and an abdominal portion, and a contiguous interior cavity. The pants have a doll-containing portion; and at least one side abdominal opening allowing access to the doll-containing portion; and a crotch between the leg portions where the leg portions meet the abdominal portion; the crotch having a secondary opening radially expandable to simulate a human vagina. This opening is connected to the doll-containing portion. A user can insert a doll simulating a human baby into the doll-containing portion; via one of the side abdominal openings; and push the doll through the secondary opening to simulate childbirth. A method and teaching kit for using the childbirth teaching apparel are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical simulator is disclosed herein. The surgical simulator includes an artificial organ and an enclosure substantially enclosing the artificial organ. The artificial organ is substantially formed of platinum cured room temperature vulcanization silicone rubber (“PCRTVS”).

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: Provided is a tissue mimicking phantom technology capable of controlling an ultrasonic echo intensity and hardness and offering excellent stability. A tissue mimicking phantom includes a first portion and a second portion which is incorporated in the first portion and whose hardness and/or ultrasonic echo intensity is different from that of the first portion. The first portion and second portion are gel structures that are formed with a covalent bond of macromolecular strands or a chemical bond that is as strong as the covalent bond. The gel structure has a solid scatterer (for example, metal-oxide microparticles) dispersed therein. The first portion and second portion exhibit mutually different hardness levels and ultrasonic echo intensities.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator.

Abstract: An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator.