Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and implementing patient-specific surgical procedures and/or medical devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a patient data set of a patient. The patient data set is compared to a plurality of reference patient data sets, wherein each of the plurality of reference patient data sets is associated with a corresponding reference patient. A subset of the plurality of reference patient data sets is selected based, at least partly, on similarity to the patient data set and treatment outcome of the corresponding reference patient. Based on the selected subset, at least one surgical procedure or medical device design for treating the patient is generated.

Abstract: A heart model includes a deformable body forming a simulated ventricle therein that expand and contract, and a restraint body outside of the simulated ventricle and having a spiral outer shape, the restraint body regulating deformation of the deformable to generate a twist in the deformable body when the simulated ventricle expands.

Abstract: A patient simulator and corresponding method, according to which a control system and a simulated spine assembly are adapted to simulate human spinal motion. The simulated spine assembly includes a plurality of pivoting joints connected together. In one or more embodiments, the simulated spine assembly further includes one or more encoders adapted to monitor one or more relative positions of the plurality of pivoting joints, and to communicate the monitored one or more relative positions to the control system. In addition, or instead, in one or more embodiments, the simulated spine assembly further includes one or more sensors adapted to monitor one or more forces being applied to one or more of the plurality of pivoting joints, and to communicate the monitored one or more forces to the control system.

Abstract: A training device (1) for fracture reduction, comprising: a fracture reduction platform (20) having a base (202) and a robotic arm section (201) fixed on the base (202), the robotic arm section (201) being configured in such a manner that a limb model can be mounted thereon; and a control unit (30) coupled to the fracture reduction platform (20) and configured to simulate and present, based on the motion of the robotic arm section (201), the effect of the motion of the robotic arm section (201) on the limb model. Also provided is a training method for fracture reduction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a tool and a method for measuring a perpendicularity and an angle of a femur of a vehicle crash dummy. The tool includes: a base, where the base is provided with a guide ring gear; and a clamp assembly, where the clamp assembly is configured to clamp a femur part. A measurement assembly can measure the perpendicularity and the angle of the femur part conveniently.

Abstract: A method for measuring a relationship between crash dummy chest compression and a safety belt load, includes: controlling, when a dummy is fixed in a preset posture on a fixed bed in a test platform via a safety belt in a safety belt restraint apparatus, a chest cover plate in the test platform to move so as to maintain a preset relative position between the chest cover plate and the dummy; controlling an impact apparatus to pull the safety belt in each pulling force to be measured, and determining a target displacement value of each measuring point on the dummy and a target pulling force between the impact apparatus and the safety belt after a first preset duration; and determining a target pulling force-displacement curve corresponding to each measuring point according to each target displacement value and each target pulling force.

Abstract: A surgical simulation device is disclosed that allows a structural heart disease (SHD) team, including a surgeon and an imaging specialist to perform a simulated cardiac intervention procedure using a patient-specific model that replicates biomechanical and echogenic properties of a specific patient to be operated on. The surgical simulation device can include a station with a tank for receiving a patient-specific cartridge with the patient-specific model. The device can also include an esophageal access system in the station and a vascular access system that couples to an access port of the station.

Abstract: A biomechanical body model for illustrating body mechanics. The body model includes components representing the torso, upper leg, and lower leg which can be altered in length to represent the variations in human segmental proportions and their combined influences on an individual's mechanical ability to move between a standing position and a seated or squatting position. Manipulation of these variables is further influenced by a range of available mobility of respective joints interconnecting the body segments. Outcomes of permutations of both the variations in segmental proportions and joint mobility is further influenced by variations in the relative plane of gross lower extremity motion as demonstrated by manipulation of a secondary hip axis. The system also incorporates various muscle segments to demonstrate impact of body movements on muscles and restrictions that muscles may present for body movements.

Abstract: A coupling design for an anthropomorphic test device includes mounting a base member to an anatomical component. The base member has opposing inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge connecting the base inner and outer surfaces with the base inner surface defining a first cavity. At least one base connector is coupled to the base inner surface and is at least partially disposed within the first cavity. The anatomical component has opposing inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge connecting the component inner and outer surfaces with the component inner surface defining a second cavity. At least one component connector is coupled to the anatomical component. The mounting is such that the component connector engages the base connector and the component and base peripheral edges abut and wherein the base and component outer surfaces align to define a smooth transition between the base and component outer surfaces.

Abstract: Universal simulator used to practice techniques and procedures in cardiac surgery through classical and minimally invasive approaches at the heart level, or other interventions in the thoracic surgery field.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three dimensional bio-model from medical image data is described. The method comprises: identifying a skin layer in the medical image data; determining a thickness of the skin layer; generating three dimensional model data from the medical image data, the three dimensional model data comprising an indication of a synthetic skin layer, the synthetic skin layer comprising a surface layer and a backing layer, wherein a combined thickness of the surface layer and the backing layer is determined from the thickness of the skin layer; and three dimensional printing the three dimensional model data to provide a three dimensional bio-model.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing an object featuring properties of a hard bodily tissue, comprises: dispensing and solidifying a plurality of non-biological material formulations to sequentially form a plurality of hardened layers in a configured pattern corresponding to a shape of the object. The method forms voxel elements containing different material formulations at interlaced locations to provide a three-dimensional textured region spanning over the portion. The material formulations and the interlaced locations are selected such that the textured region exhibits, once hardened, a stress variation of at most ±20% over a strain range of from about 0.1% to about 0.3%.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a walking assist device is disclosed. The method includes determining a first state variable for a gait state of a user wearing the walking assist device based on a gait of the user, obtaining a second state variable which is smoothed and time-delayed from the first state variable, obtaining a third state variable by applying a torque control variable to the second state variable, and determining an assist torque to be provided by the walking assist device based on the obtained third state variable.

Abstract: A cranial bio-model including a skull layer and a dura layer and method of manufacturing a cranial bio-model. A three dimensional bio-model for simulating a simulated cranial surgical procedure, the bio-model comprises a synthetic skull layer, a synthetic dura layer under the synthetic skull layer, and a spacer layer between the synthetic skull layer and the synthetic dura layer. The bio-model may be manufactured based on medical image data using three-dimensional printing.

Abstract: Chiropractic training apparatus includes an anatomic mannequin incorporating a network of electronic sensors providing feedback to a user related to applied pressure. The mannequin may include a simulated human head and pelvic region with simulated articulating spinal vertebrae embedded in pliable silicone skin and gel materials. Electronic circuitry determines when pressure is applied to any of the plurality of pressure sensors during the palpation of the model, and output an electronic signal representative of the applied pressure. A mechanism may be provided to facilitate adjustment of relative joint stiffness. A computer display in communication with the model may show information indicative of vertebral level and/or color gradients associated with the pressure applied by a user. The physical model may only include portions of a simulated human spine (i.e., lumbar only). However, the model is preferably life-sized, and may be configured for prone positioning on a table or other work surface.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an arm assembly for a crash test dummy. The arm assembly includes a model forearm, a model hand, and a model wrist joint coupling the model forearm and model hand. The model wrist joint includes at least one sensor configured to generate sensor data indicative of a force or a moment experienced by the model wrist joint.

Abstract: A system for simulating surgery includes an electromagnetic tracking system comprising an emitter and a plurality of electromagnetic sensors and a plurality of model bone fragments, each of the model bone fragments operatively connected to one of the plurality of electromagnetic sensors. A method for simulating surgery includes electromagnetically tracking position of a plurality of model bone fragments and a model bone shaft using an electromagnetic tracking system and displaying virtual fluoroscopic images based on sensed position of the model bone fragments and the model bone shaft.

Abstract: A new physical neck model where all neck injuries and particularly the “whiplash” neck injuries can be examined for “adult crash test dummies” used in vehicle crash tests in the vehicle safety field includes a number of connection interface components, five intervertebral discs, seven vertebrae, four muscle interfaces, and at least one sensor set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional printing optimal size correcting device and a correcting method.

Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to educational knee joint models with synthetic medial and lateral menisci disposed thereon. In certain implementations, one of the synthetic menisci has specific type of tear formed therein. Other embodiments relate to educational knee joint treatment platforms having a base, an attachment wall, a coupling component, and a retention strap.

Abstract: A hydrogel structure includes a hollow tubular structure having an inner diameter of 1.0 mm or less, wherein the hydrogel structure has a transmission of 80 percent or more in a visible light range.

Abstract: A customized chest response finite element model for a crash test dummy is disclosed. A method of creating the customized chest response finite element model for the crash test dummy includes the steps of identifying two borderline sets that match with certification test data profiles for a chest of the crash test dummy, varying material properties of components of the chest for the crash test dummy, defining a mapping function and allowing intermediate sets to be interpolated from the certification test data profiles, and creating a single chest response finite element model for the crash test dummy with a user-defined input parameter for the customized chest response finite element model that defines the customized response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a thermosetting polymeric powder composition in a Selective Laser Sintering process to produce a 3D duroplast, wherein the composition comprises at least one curable polymeric binder material and wherein during each pass of the SLS process said polymeric binder material is at least partially cured within the layer thus formed and also at least partially crosslinked with the previous layer. The invention furthermore relates to a SLS process using such a thermosetting polymeric powder composition and a 3D-printing product obtained when using such a thermosetting polymeric powder composition.

Abstract: A three-dimensional rib for a crash test dummy includes at least two layers of a band material and a layer of damping material sandwiched in between the at least two layers of the band material.

Abstract: A neck assembly for an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) includes a plurality of vertebra discs, a plurality of ligament joints each having a joint element disposed between the vertebra discs, and a torsion assembly coupled to one of the vertebra discs to allow rotation about an axis of the one of the vertebra discs to simulate torsion response of a human neck.

Abstract: A spinal training simulator kit with an operable module unit for surgical training is described. The spinal training simulator kit includes an anatomical base model of at least a portion of a spinal column and at least one high-fidelity module unit, the module unit comprising intervertebral disc analogues and vertebral segment analogues, and the module unit configured to fit within the base model in an anatomically correct orientation and location. The module unit may be acted upon, i.e. surgical instruments may be passed through, thus, providing a realistic simulator for surgical training.

Abstract: An assembly for a robot includes a shoulder, an arm rotatably connected to the shoulder, an armor decorative member connected to the arm and located adjacent to the shoulder, and a connection assembly located between and rotatably connected to the arm and the armor decorative member. Relative rotation between the arm and the connection assembly and between the armor decorative member and the connection assembly enables the arm to continue to rotate after an upper end of the armor decorative member comes into contact with the shoulder.

Abstract: A method for an assessment of a movement of a limb-related point in a predetermined 3D space effected by a user displacing the limb in the 3D space is provided. The method includes the steps of providing display surfaces in the 3D space around the user, providing a limb position point connected to a portion of the user's limb associated to the limb-related point, and providing sensors to detect the limb position point in the 3D space in relation to the joint. A computer program calculates a direction defined by a straight line between the joint and the limb-related point and provides a representation of the position of the limb-related point in the 3D space as a function of a distance between the joint and the limb-related point on one of the display surfaces on the line.

Abstract: The [Ligament End Feel Simulator] has the sole purpose of teaching athletic training students and other medical professionals what laxity of the anterior cruciate ligament feels like without the need for a live injured patient to be present. The novelty of the present invention comes from the non-existence of the present invention in the athletic training profession. Although a person not knowledgeable in the art can look at the present invention and recognize it as being a knee; the average person and even most medical professionals will not know that the device is meant to be used in conjunction with the Lachman manual special test.

Abstract: A shoulder assembly for a crash test dummy includes a movable clavicle adapted for attachment to a spine of the crash test dummy for freedom of movement in three-dimensional space, a scapula non-rigidly adapted mounted for attachment to the spine for freedom of movement in three-dimensional space, a shoulder cup member adapted for attachment to the spine in a plurality of axes for a shoulder joint, and an upper arm assembly having an arm bone made of a plastic material for operative attachment to the shoulder cup member to allow an impact on the shoulder of the dummy to move the shoulder assembly towards the spine.

Abstract: A customized chest response finite element model for a crash test dummy is disclosed. A method of creating the customized chest response finite element model for the crash test dummy includes the steps of identifying two borderline sets that match with certification test data profiles for a chest of the crash test dummy, varying material properties of components of the chest for the crash test dummy, defining a mapping function and allowing intermediate sets to be interpolated from the certification test data profiles, and creating a single chest response finite element model for the crash test dummy with a user-defined input parameter for the customized chest response finite element model that defines the customized response.

Abstract: Meniscal extrusion can occur due detachment of the knee capsule from structures of the knee. Disclosed herein are methods to repair the meniscal detachment. Additionally, cadaveric and synthetic models can be used to teach said methods of repair.

Abstract: An omnidirectional neck assembly for a crash test dummy includes a plurality of vertebra discs, a plurality of ligament joints each having a joint element disposed between the vertebra discs, the vertebra discs having a profile that can simulate angles of a human neck in all directions.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar spine assembly for a crash test dummy includes an upper member adapted to be connected to an upper thoracic portion of a spine of the crash test dummy, a lower member adapted to be connected to a lower thoracic portion of the spine of the crash test dummy, an upper abdomen interface connected to the lower member and adapted to be connected to an upper abdomen portion of the crash test dummy, and an adjustment mechanism cooperating with the upper member and the lower member to allow adjustment of varying fixed joint angles between the upper member and the lower member.

Abstract: An adjustable spine joint assembly for a crash test dummy includes an upper member adapted to be operatively connected to an upper thoracic portion of a spine of the crash test dummy, a lower member adapted to be operatively connected to a lower thoracic portion of the spine of the crash test dummy, a center pivot bolt pivotally connected to the lower member and the upper member to allow rotational movement therebetween, and a self-locating adjustment mechanism cooperating with the upper member and the lower member to allow adjustment of a plurality of fixed joint angles between the upper member and the lower member.

Abstract: A surrogate multilayered material and manufacturing method thereof includes a first fiber reinforced layer, the first reinforced layer including a crosslinked polymer and fibers, and a second fiber reinforced layer, the second reinforced layer including the crosslinked polymer and the fibers. A foam layer is disposed between the first and second fiber reinforced layers. Opposite faces of the foam layer are in direct contact with the first fiber reinforced layer and the second fiber reinforced layer. The foam layer has a compressive strength of about 3.5 to about 4.5 MPa, when measured as per ASTM-D-1621-73, and a shear strength of 1.50 to about 2.15 MPa, when measured as per ASTM-C-273.

Abstract: An adjustable friction joint assembly for a crash test dummy includes a first joint member for connection to a first member of the crash test dummy and a second joint member for connection to a second member of the crash test dummy. The adjustable friction joint assembly also includes a shaft operatively connected to the first joint member and the second joint member to allow rotation therebetween. The adjustable friction joint assembly further includes an adjustable friction assembly operatively connected to the shaft and operatively cooperating with the first joint member and the second joint member to adjust a friction tightness of the joint assembly.

Abstract: A foot model having a plurality of segments representing the bones of a human foot. The segments are held together through a series of elastic cords. A portion of the segments contain hollow portions and/or tunnels which the elastic cords are placed in and through. The cords and segments form a first position of the foot model which demonstrates a normal human foot. The cords can be manipulated by pulling and other forces to arrange the segments in a second position. The second position demonstrates a foot ailment or condition such as club foot. The model can be manipulated to regain the first position and any position in between the first and second position.

Abstract: A boroscope includes a working head having first and second ends. A first optical fiber extends through the boroscope to a position between the first and second ends. A second optical fiber extends through the boroscope to the second end of the working head. A laser optical fiber extends through the boroscope. At least one lens is arranged between the first end and the second end of the working head and a mirror is gimballed to the second end of the working head. The laser optical fiber directs laser light transmitted through the laser optical fiber onto the lens and then onto the mirror. A first LED is arranged at a position between the first end and the second end of the working head and a second LED is arranged at the second end of the working head and an actuator devices adjust the position of the mirror.

Abstract: A flexible surrogate spine assembly for a crash test dummy includes a plurality of vertebra discs, a plurality of ligament joints disposed between the vertebra discs, the ligament joints having a joint element with varying joint angles that can replicate Kyphosis and Lordosis angles of a human spine.

Abstract: A shoulder and upper arm assembly for a crash test dummy includes a shoulder assembly having a spring housing and a shoulder pivot member pivotally connected to the spring housing. The shoulder assembly includes a spring element disposed in the spring housing and an adjustable member to adjust the friction of the spring element. An upper arm assembly includes a bone assembly having one end connected to the shoulder assembly and another end for connection to a lower arm assembly. The bone assembly includes a bone member made of metal and a load cell connected to the bone member to measure a load on the bone member.

Abstract: A trunk skeleton of a human body dummy includes a spine portion, the spine portion including a plurality of vertebra portions made of metal-based materials or synthetic resin-based materials, a plurality of intervertebral buffer portions disposed between the vertebra portions, the intervertebral buffer portions being made of synthetic resin-based materials, and a bone-coupling portion coupling the vertebra portions in a displaceable manner, the bone-coupling portion including a metal-based rod-shaped member; and a thorax portion, the thorax portion including a plurality of costa portions having first ends coupled to the respective vertebra portions of the spine portion, thus forming respective pairs for the vertebra portions, the costa portions being made of synthetic resin-based materials, and a sternum body coupled to second ends of the costa portions, the sternum body being made of a synthetic resin-based material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensor for measuring the pressures experienced by an anthropomorphic dummy in an abdominal or thoracic section of the trunk of said dummy. This sensor comprises at least two fluid-tight flexible pressure-measurement chambers (4) arranged in the abdominal or thoracic section of the trunk of said dummy on each side of a sagittal median plane of said abdominal or thoracic section, said pressure-measurement chambers (4) being filled with an incompressible fluid and each comprising at least one pressure-measurement cell (5) able at output thereof to deliver an electric signal indicative of the pressure of said fluid in said pressure-measurement chambers.

Abstract: A human surrogate neck model includes a spinal neck region containing cervical vertebrae. A biosimulant intervertebral material is inserted between the cervical vertebrae. The spinal neck region is surrounded by a first silicone material mixed with a polymeric cross-linking inhibitor. One or more elastic tension bands are anchored to a top interface and a bottom interface of the neck model. A second silicone material mixed with a polymeric cross-linking inhibitor is applied to surround the spinal neck region and the first silicone material and to embed the tension bands. One or more of the elastic tension bands and/or a concentration ratio of the first silicone material or second silicone material to the polymeric cross-linking inhibitor can be adjusted for variable test conditions to closely simulate or mimic the static and dynamic characteristics of a human neck in various scenarios.

Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable powered rehabilitation devices and methods for using the same to rehabilitate and/or train a user. The rehabilitation devices preferably have a plurality of selectable power settings that correspond to one or more rehabilitation-oriented actions or functions of the rehabilitation devices. For example, the power of the rehabilitation device may be selected based on a need, ability, muscle-power and/or physiological characteristics of the user. For instance, a rehabilitation device may be operated at a relatively low power setting to allow a patient to use his or her own muscle power when moving with the rehabilitation device. The rehabilitation device may also include an adjustable sensitivity level that corresponds to a user difficulty in triggering a particular rehabilitation-oriented action. The powered rehabilitation device may also temporarily be used to train a user in interacting with a passive or more conventional prosthetic device.

Abstract: A method for measuring cartilage defects within a subject includes surgically exposing a joint or cartilage surface. The exposed joint or cartilage surface having at least one defect, and the method may generating a cast of the at least one defect. The method may also include measuring a parameter of the cast, thereby estimating a characteristic of the defect.

Abstract: A system, method and device for simulating a medical procedure include a haptic mechanism controllable to provide feedback to a user manipulating a medical device. In an embodiment, a pair of three degree of freedom haptic devices are coupled to provide six degree of freedom measurement and force/moment feedback to the user. The six degree of freedom haptic device may be configured to provide different resolutions for different degrees of freedom, depending on simulation requirements. In an embodiment, a load cell is used to provide higher resolution in a dimension determined to be of greater criticality to realistic simulation.

Abstract: A system including a method and associated structures creates efficiencies in the manufacture of prosthetic tooth support frameworks. Pre-manufactured teeth with matching internal keys are used in the setup of a patient prototype. Each key includes a shaft, a cervical platform, a retention knob and preferably at least one channel for the expulsion of excess adhesive fluid. The cervical platforms are shaped to provide intimate contact with a base of their respective tooth. The same tooth/key pairs are then used to make a framework pattern from the setup positioning. The pattern can be cast or scanned for direct machining to produce the finished framework.

Abstract: Paired bones are individually secured in an anatomically relevant manner onto independent, parallel positioned platforms, and configured into motorized models for the purpose of teaching and assessing clinicians' ability to identify and compare the relative positions of bony landmarks within the coronal and sagittal planes. One platform can be powered by two motors to generate precise landmark asymmetries, moving the platforms in the coronal plane and around a horizontal axis. As the platform shears upward or rotates forward, the landmarks on the bone attached to that platform can be moved superiorly compared to the other side. A central computer can instruct the motors of a plurality of models to move predetermined amounts via a two-way wireless communications link. The model can communicate back to the computer once the movement is completed, assuring a high level of precision in obtaining the intended positional asymmetry or informing the user that the move exceeds the limits of the model.

Abstract: A rib cage assembly for a crash test dummy includes a rib cage member made of a plastic material.