Medical simulator

• US 6,773,263 B2
• Filed: 10/09/2001
• Issued: 08/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Medical Technology Systems Inc (Omnicell Inc)
• Original Assignee: Medical Technology Systems Inc (Omnicell Inc)
• Inventors: Nicholls, Robert J., Mueller, John M., Stahlnecker, Michael A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fernstrom, Kurt
• Application Number:
  US09/972,621
• Publication Number:
  US 20030068606A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,036 Days
• Field of Search: 434/262, 434/267, 434/268, 434/265, 434/270, 434/272
• US Class Current: 434/267
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/30 Anatomical models G09B23/281 - G09B23/288 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/34 with removable parts

Abstract

An apparatus and associated method for simulating anatomic and physiological responses to medical procedures involving administering regional anesthetic/analgesic agent in real time using a mannequin. Such simulation allows trainees to perform regional anesthesia techniques that closely mimic real world medical procedures before performing procedures on live patients.

Claims

1. A simulator for training medical practitioners in the administration of local and regional anaesthetic and analgesic substances, comprising:

a. a mannequin comprising;

i. a simulated skin otiter cover comprising a conductive elastomer;

ii. simulated muscle tissue;

iii. at least one simulated fluid vessel segment;

iv. at least one simulated conductive elastomer element; and

v. at least one simulated nerve contained in the conductive elastomer element;

b. an instrument configured to penetrate the mannequin and such that upon penetration the instrument is at a position inside the mannequin;

c. a sensor system within the mannequin capable of determining the position of the instrument inside the mannequin and of producing information regarding said position; and

d. a display system capable of representing information regarding the position of the instrument inside the mannequin;

e. whereby the sensor system transmits the information to the display system.

2. The simulator of claim 1 in which the sensor system comprises at least one simulated nerve comprising a plurality of substantially concentrically arranged alternating conducting and insulation layers connected in such a manner that at least one complete circuit provides information to the computer regarding the position of the instrument.

3. The simulator of claim 2 in which the sensor system generates a warning if the instrument is positioned within the innermost substantially concentrically arranged alternating conducting and insulating layer.

4. The simulator of claim 1 in which all portions of the mannequin are replaceable.

5. The simulator of claim 1 in which at least one simulated fluid vessel segment simulates a circulatory vessel.

6. The simulator of claim 5 in which at least one simulated circulatory vessel contains fluid and is connected hydraulically to a pump, whereby pulsating blood flow is simulated.

7. The simulator of claim 1 in which the instrument is selected from the group:

a needle;

an electrode;

a scalpel;

a catheter.