Systems and methods for use in mobile medical training

• US 7,347,472 B2
• Filed: 03/21/2003
• Issued: 03/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: SDGI Holdings Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Pellegrin, Hank F. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Morrow; Jason S
• Application Number:
  US10/394,625
• Publication Number:
  US 20040201239A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,831 Days
• Field of Search: 296/24.3, 296/24.32, 296/24.38, 296/24.4, 296/24.41, 434262-275
• US Class Current: 296/24.38
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/02 Adjustable operating tables; Controls therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 3/001 Vehicles provided with medical equipment to perform operations or examinations
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 3/08 Hospitals, infirmaries, or the like; Schools; Prisons
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/28 for medicine

Abstract

An enclosure is provided that is adapted for mobile transport to a training site. In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a laboratory section equipped with medical equipment and instrumentation. In another embodiment, a supply of non-living anatomic material is provided for conducting one or more training activities in the laboratory section to provide training to medical personnel. A supply relationship may be established with an anatomic material supplier to satisfy training activity requirements. In yet another embodiment, the enclosure includes a conference section sized to accommodate a group of medical personnel and equipped with audio/visual equipment and/or other training aids. The conference section and the laboratory section may be linked by an electronic communication system. A satellite communication system may be included to provide visual communication between the training site and a remote site. The conference and laboratory sections may include one or more expandable side portions to selectively enlarge the enclosure.

Claims

1. A mobile medical training system, comprising:

an enclosure adapted for transport to a training site, said enclosure including a laboratory section equipped with medical equipment and instrumentation;

a supply of non-living anatomic material for conducting one or more training activities in said laboratory section to provide training to medical personnel; and

an examination table disposed within said laboratory section for supporting an amount of said non-living anatomic material, wherein said examination table is coupled to said enclosure so that said examination table can be moved between a stowed position and an examination position, and wherein said stowed position is ranged in a substantially vertical orientation and wherein said examination position is arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said examination table is pivotally coupled to said enclosure to provide pivotal movement between said stowed position and said examination position.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said non-living anatomic material comprises cadaveric material.

4. The mobile medical training system of claim 3, wherein said cadaveric material comprises at least a portion of the spinal column.

5. The mobile medical training system. of claim 1, further comprising a refrigeration source for storing an amount of said non-living anatomic material.

6. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said enclosure further includes a preparation section for use in preparing material and devices for use in said laboratory section.

7. The mobile medical training system of claim 6, wherein said preparation section is equipped with an ultrasonic washer for cleaning instruments and devices for use in said laboratory section.

8. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said enclosure further includes a conference section sized to accommodate a group of medical personnel, said conference section being equipped with audio/visual equipment to facilitate training of the group of medical personnel.

9. The mobile medical training system of claim 8, wherein said laboratory section and said conference section are linked by an electronic communication system.

10. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes at least one laterally expandable portion for selective enlargement of said laboratory section.

11. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said laboratory section includes multiple training stations.

12. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, further comprising an anchoring mechanism adapted to releasably connect said examination table to said enclosure.

13. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said examination table includes an adjustment mechanism adapted to selectively adjust a vertical position of said examination table.

14. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said examination table includes an adjustment mechanism adapted to selectively adjust an angular orientation of said examination table.

15. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said examination table is radiolucent.

16. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, further comprising an electronic communication system adapted to provide visual communication between said training site and a remote site.

17. The mobile medical training system of claim 16, wherein said electronic communication system is a satellite communication system.

18. The mobile medical training system of claim 16, wherein said remote site is a live operating room.

19. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional examination table within said laboratory section.

20. The mobile medical training system claim 19, wherein said laboratory section has a wall, and at least one of said examination tables are coupled to said wall.

21. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said examination table is releasably coupled to said enclosure.

22. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said examination table is adjustable in at least one of vertical position and angular orientation.

23. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said examination table includes a support pan having a bottom wall and one or more side walls extending about the periphery of said bottom wall to define an interior region adapted for receiving anatomic material.

24. The mobile medical training system of claim 23, further comprising an actuating member for adjusting at least one of angular orientation and vertical position of said support pan.

25. The mobile medical training system of claim 24, wherein said actuating member is a pneumatic cylinder.

26. The mobile medical training system of claim 1, wherein said examination table forms part of a training station, and said training station further being equipped with a video camera mounted above said examination table.

27. The mobile medical training system of claim 26, further comprising a viewing monitor, and said video camera is electronically coupled to said monitor.

28. The mobile medical training system of claim 27, wherein said monitor is in said laboratory section.

29. The mobile medical training system of claim 27, wherein said enclosure includes a conference section, and said monitor is in said conference section.

30. The mobile medical training system of claim 8, wherein said conference section includes a main conference room area and a lavatory area.

31. The mobile medical training system of claim 8, wherein said conference section includes a control desk having storage and adapted for accommodation of conference room equipment.