Training apparatus for oesophageal cell collection, and method for use thereof

Abstract

A training apparatus 200 for training a user to deploy an oesophageal cell collection device (104, figure 1b) in a human patient, comprising an elongate hollow body 202 having a first port 204 and a s

Description

Background to the invention Oesophageal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer globally, causing an estimated 500,000 deaths globally each year. Like other forms of cancer, treatment of oesophageal cancer is most effective when the cancer is identified early. However, the symptoms of oesophageal cancer can be difficult to identify. One possible warning sign for oesophageal cancer is a condition called Barrett's oesophagus. This is a condition in which cells in a patient's oesophagus begin to abnormally grow or change. Barrett's oesophagus is closely correlated with oesophageal cancer, although only a small number of Barrett's oesophagus cases develop into oesophageal cancer. By identifying cases of Barrett's oesophagus, patients at risk of developing oesophageal cancer can be identified, and those patients can then be monitored or treated pre-emptively. There are several known methods for identifying Barrett's oesophagus. Endoscopy can be used to inspect the interior of the oesophagus for Barrett's oesophagus, but this is expensive, time-consuming, and invasive. In recent years, an alternative method for identifying Barrett's oesophagus has been developed. This test uses a capsule sponge device to collect cell samples from the oesophagus of a patient. The cell samples are then processed using the so-called TTF3 laboratory test to identify Barrett's oesophagus from biomarkers in the samples. The capsule sponge device consists of a swallowable capsule containing a small soft sponge tether to a retrieval cord. Prior to use, the capsule and thread / cord are removed from their packaging, e.g., foil packaging. The capsule is administered either by a trained healthcare professional or handed to the patient to be swallowed, optionally along with a bundled length of cord. The swallowed capsule travels down the oesophagus while the bundled thread / cord unfurls. The capsule may travel all the way down to the stomach or be held at an intermediary point somewhere in the oesophagus. Next there is a pause (typically several minutes) while the capsule dissolves to release the sponge which then expands. The expanded sponge is then withdrawn by pulling on the thread / cord. As the sponge is withdrawn it brushes against the walls of the oesophagus, thereby collecting cell samples. After the sponge is recovered from the patient, it is sent to a laboratory where the diagnostic analysis is undertaken. The capsule sponge test is quicker and simpler to administer than endoscopy and requires less complex equipment and training to perform. However, conventional testing methods are subject to several problems. For example, delivery of the capsule down the oesophagus tends to be difficult, and / or distressing, for some patients. The human gag reflex (also known as the pharyngeal reflex) also tends to be triggered when an unusual object is swallowed or touches certain regions in the mouth, such as when a trained healthcare practitioner manually introduces the device using their fingers. As well as being uncomfortable for the patient, excessive gagging could lead to damage to the device. Improved devices for and methods for performing oesophageal cell collection have been envisaged. These devices and methods require less training and patient management than conventional capsule-and-cord methods and tend to elicit less adverse response in patients. Nonetheless, some level of training in the use of such improved devices, e.g., by healthcare practitioners, is inevitably required. The anatomy of the human oesophagus, which comprises an upper sphincter and a lower sphincter, varies from patient to patient, based on factors such as age, sex, health, size, stress and / or discomfort levels, as well as other physiological and psychological indicators. The variable adverse response of patients to the testing procedure, for example, can lead to variability in the diameter and / or tightness of one or both oesophageal sphincters. These physical parameters of the sphincters tend to be reflected in the degree of resistance, or "tug", perceived by the healthcare practitioner when attempting to extract the sponge from the oesophageal tract. Prior to administering the tests to patients, healthcare practitioners, e.g., nurses or doctors, should be made familiar with the expected / acceptable range of oesophageal resistance or tug, based on the aforementioned physiological factors (age, size, health, etc.), and in the context of the patient's stress and / or discomfort levels. There is hence a need fortraining methods and apparatuses which allow healthcare practitioners to develop an understanding of expected and / or acceptable ranges of resistance for archetypical patients. Such archetypical patients may be, for example, patients of a certain demographic or combinatory demographic, e.g., patients of a certain age, and / or sex, and / or health level, and / or size, and / or stress level, and / or discomfort level. Without such training, professionals would be less able / qualified to assess when it is appropriate, e.g., medically safe or preferable, to continue with a procedure, and when it would be more appropriate to abort or postpone it, e.g., in cases where the resistance or tug on the device exceeds or falls short of the expected or acceptable range, e.g., leading to an inadequate sample collection. Patient comfort and health outcomes would hence be put at increased risk, e.g. due to the risk of medically unsafe, or excessively physiologically and / or psychologically traumatic, procedures being carried out. Untrained healthcare practitioners would also tend to be less able to recognise medically abnormal / significant oesophageal anatomy and / or function, thereby worsening diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes. Summary of the invention In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a training apparatus for the deployment of oesophageal cell collection devices in a human patient, comprising an elongate hollow body mounted on a support, the elongate hollow body having an upper port and a lower port disposed towards opposite ends of the elongate body, wherein each of the upper port and the lower port has an orifice which is adjustable to simulate the morphology of an upper and lower, respectively, human oesophageal sphincter. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a training apparatus for training a user to deploy an oesophageal cell collection device in a human patient, the oesophageal cell collection device comprising a cell collector and a retrievable thread / cord attached to the cell collector, the training apparatus comprising an elongate hollow body having a first port and a second port, wherein: each of the first port and the second port is disposed towards a respective opposite end of the elongate hollow body; the first port comprises a first orifice which is adjustable in a first physical parameter, for simulating the morphology of an upper human oesophageal sphincter; and, the second port comprises a second orifice which is adjustable in a second physical parameter, for simulating the morphology of a lower human oesophageal sphincter. The first physical parameter and the second physical parameter may be the same physical parameter. The first physical parameter of the first orifice and the second physical parameter of the second orifice may be different parameters. Preferably, one or both of the first physical parameter and the second physical parameter is a parameter selected from a group of parameters consisting of: a diameter of the respective orifice; a size of the respective orifice; a dimension of the respective orifice; a geometry of the respective orifice; a profile of the respective orifice; a rigidity of the respective orifice; a flexibility of the respective orifice; an elasticity of the respective orifice; and, a resilience of the respective orifice. Preferably, the first and second orifices are each adjustable such that the respective values of the first physical parameter and the second physical parameter differ. Preferably, the first physical parameter is a diameter of the first orifice and the second physical parameter is a diameter of the second orifice. In some embodiments, the elongate hollow body further comprises: a throat portion for receiving the cell collector; and, an oesophageal tract portion for passage therethrough of the cell collector. Preferably, the oesophageal tract portion comprises a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion arranged in sequence. Preferably, the first tubular portion comprises the first port and the second tubular portion comprises the second port. The oesophageal tract portion may extend between the first and second ports; the first tubular portion of the oesophageal tract portion may be proximate the first port; and, the second tubular portion of the oesophageal tract portion may be proximate the second port. A diameter of at least a part of the first tubular portion may differ from a diameter of at least a part of the second tubular portion. Preferably, the cell collector comprises a sponge, and the training apparatus further comprises a wetting region for wetting the sponge. Preferably, the wetting region comprises a cut-out portion for receiving a fluid for wetting the sponge. Alternatively, or additionally, the cell collector may comprise a balloon, and the training apparatus may further comprise a region for expanding the balloon. Alternatively, or additionally, the cell collector may comprise a brush, and the training apparatus may further comprise a wetting region for wetting the balloon. In some embodiments, the training apparatus is configured to adopt: a first configuration in which the first and second orifices are each adjusted in their respective physical parameters to simulate a morphology of a human oesophagus in a typical or normal state, the typical or normal state being a state indicative of one or more conditions of the human patient selected from a group of conditions consisting of: a healthy condition, a normal condition, a relaxed condition, and a routine condition; and / or, a second configuration in which the first and second orifices are each adjusted in their respective physical parameters to simulate a morphology of a human oesophagus in an atypical or abnormal state. Preferably, in the second configuration, the first and second orifices are adjusted in their respective physical parameters to exert, at each respective orifice, a greater resistance or tug on the oesophageal cell collection device than in the first configuration; and, the atypical or abnormal state is a state indicative of one or more conditions of the human patient selected from a group of conditions consisting of: a distressed condition, an anxious condition, a panicked condition, an excessive gagging condition, a diagnostically relevant condition, an extreme condition, and an emergency condition. Preferably, in the second configuration, the first and second orifices are adjusted in their respective physical parameters to exert, at each respective orifice, a lesser resistance or tug on the oesophageal cell collection device than in the first configuration; and the atypical or abnormal state is a state indicative of a condition of the human patient selected from a group of conditions consisting of: a relaxed condition, an unconscious condition, a diagnostically relevant condition, an extreme condition, and an emergency condition. Preferably, the training apparatus is configured to adopt a third configuration in which the first and second orifices are adjusted in their respective physical parameters to exert, at each respective orifice, a lesser resistance or tug on the oesophageal cell collection device than in both the first and second configurations, the third configuration being one of: a configuration to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in an extreme state indicative of an extreme condition of the human patient; a non-clinical or training configuration to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in a state not indicative of a clinical or realistic morphology of a human oesophagus; or, a conference or out-of-use configuration in which the first and second orifices are adjusted in their respective physical parameters to exert, at each respective orifice, a resistance or tug on the oesophageal cell collection device substantially equal to that at one or more unconstricted regions of the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, a position of at least one of the first port and the second port is adjustable along a length of the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second orifices is formed by a respective orifice-adjusting mechanism. Preferably, at least one respective orifice-adjusting mechanism is a rotating disc mechanism comprising a rotating disc having a rotation axis parallel to and offset from a longest axis of the elongate hollow body; and the rotating disc comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures, each aperture having a respective physical parameter corresponding to the respective first or second physical parameter, the plurality of apertures being positioned such that rotation of the disc brings one aperture of the plurality of apertures into axial alignment with the longest axis of the elongate hollow body thereby to form the respective first or second orifice. Preferably, the rotating disc is configured to rotate relative to a housing coupling the rotating disc mechanism to the elongate hollow body. Preferably, the housing comprises a viewing window for viewing a surface of the respective rotating disc. Preferably, the rotating disc is configured to be rotated by actuation of a tab extending therefrom. In some embodiments, at least one respective orifice-adjusting mechanism is an iris mechanism comprising a diaphragm formed of plurality of overlapping leaves defining a central aperture, the diaphragm being configured to expand or contract by relative rotation of the overlapping leaves, thereby to increase or decrease a diameter of the central aperture. Preferably, the overlapping leaves are configured to rotate relative to a housing which couples the iris mechanism to the elongate hollow body. Preferably, the housing and / or the diaphragm comprises indications for indicating a value of the diameter of the central aperture. Preferably, the overlapping leaves are configured to be rotated by actuation of a tab extending from the diaphragm. In some embodiments, at least one respective orifice-adjusting mechanism is a slide mechanism comprising a slide having a central aperture, the aperture having a respective physical parameter corresponding to the respective first or second physical parameter, the slide being configured to pass through radially opposed slots in the elongate hollow body such that the aperture is axially aligned with the longest axis of the elongate hollow body thereby to form the respective first or second orifice. Preferably, the slide comprises a guide for engaging a surface at or proximate the elongate hollow body, thereby to align the aperture centrally within the elongate hollow body, the guide including an alignment feature comprising one or more ribs, protrusions, notches, grooves, recesses, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the training apparatus further comprises a reciprocal guide for reciprocal engagement with the guide, the reciprocal guide including a further alignment feature comprising one or more ribs, protrusions, notches, grooves, recesses, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the reciprocal guide is formed in the surface at or proximate the elongate hollow body, the surface being on the elongate hollow body or on a housing of the slide mechanism. A profile and / or depth of the slide may be the respective physical parameter. In some embodiments, the respective orifice-adjusting mechanism is removable from and / or re-attachable to the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, the elongate hollow body comprises a flexible tube. Preferably, the flexible tube forms at least one of the first port and the second port. Preferably, the flexible tube extends between the first and second ports. In some embodiments, the elongate hollow body is provided with a slit along at least a part of its length; each orifice-adjusting mechanism is provided with a set of one or more further slits; and, the slit and each set of one or more further slits are configured such that alignment thereof forms a single slit along substantially the entire length of the elongate hollow body, thereby allowing the retrievable thread to pass directly into the elongate hollow body without being fed through an end of the elongate hollow body. Preferably, each set of one or more further slits comprises: a first further slit formed in the housing of the respective orifice-adjusting mechanism; and a second further slit formed in a rotatable or translatable component of the respective orifice-adjusting mechanism; wherein, each second further slit is configured to be brought into alignment with each first further slit via rotation or translation of the rotatable or translatable component of the respective orifice-adjusting mechanism. In some embodiments, the slit along the length of the elongate hollow body is provided with, at least along a portion of the length of the slit, a lip or guide to the slit, for guiding the retrievable thread into the elongate hollow body via the slit. Preferably, the lip or guide extends along at least a length of the throat portion of the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, the lip or guide extends along the entire length of the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, one or more of the first and second further slits is provided with, at least along a portion of the length of said one or more of the first and second further slits, a respective further lip or guide, for guiding the retrievable thread into the elongate hollow body via said one or more of the first and second further slits. In some embodiments, the elongate hollow body comprises a flexible tube forming at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice, the training apparatus further comprising: a constricting device for adjusting the respective parameter or respective parameters of the at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice; and / or, a re-enforcing device for adjusting the respective parameter or respective parameters of the at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice. Preferably, the flexible tube is comparatively flexible only at certain portions along the length of the elongate hollow body, and is comparatively inflexible or rigid at other portions along the length of the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, the training apparatus further comprises a further tube arranged substantially concentrically with the flexible tube, the further tube being of lesser flexibility than the flexible tube and comprising one or more gaps along its length. The further tube may have a greater diameter than the flexible tube and substantially circumscribe the flexible tube. The further tube may have a smaller diameter than the flexible tube and be substantially circumscribed by the flexible tube. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second ports is formed by a respective internal structure of the elongate hollow body. Preferably, the respective internal structure comprises an internal geometry of the elongate hollow body. The respective internal structure may comprise a slot or channel formed in the elongate hollow body. Preferably, the slot or channel varies in width along the length of the elongate hollow body, thereby allowing expansion and restriction of the cell collection device during passage through the elongate hollow body. Preferably, the slot or channel extends along the entire length of the elongate hollow body. Preferably, a portion of the elongate hollow body in which the respective internal structure is formed is removable from and / or re-attachable to the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, the training apparatus further comprises a mounting device for mounting the elongate hollow body in a generally upright configuration to simulate the orientation of an oesophagus in a human in an upright position. In some embodiments, the training apparatus further comprises a stand on which the elongate hollow tube is mounted via the mounting device. Preferably, the stand is shaped to simulate a silhouette of a human patient, thereby providing a frame of reference to a user as to the relative location and orientation of the human oesophagus the morphology of which is being simulated. Preferably, the elongate hollow body is removably mounted to the stand via the mounting device. In some embodiments, the training apparatus further comprises stabilising device at a base portion of the stand, for stabilising the stand on a surface. In some embodiments, the training apparatus further comprises a securing device at a base portion of the stand, for securing the stand on a surface. The stabilising device may comprise one or more legs. Preferably, the securing device comprises a device selected from the group of devices consisting of: one or more suction clamps, one or more vices, one or more fasteners, an adhesive, and one or more weights. In some embodiments, the mounting device is for mounting the elongate hollow body onto or over a door or wall. Preferably, the mounting device comprises one or more hooks and / or one or more ports. In some embodiments, the training apparatus further comprises one or more handles for holding the elongate hollow body in a generally upright configuration to simulate the orientation of an oesophagus in a human in an upright position. Preferably, the one or more handles are removable from and / or re-attachable to the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the elongate hollow body is transparent. Preferably, one or both of the throat portion and the oesophageal portion is transparent. In another aspect, there is provided a method for training a user to deploy an oesophageal cell collection device in a human patient using a training apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, the method comprising: deploying the cell collection device into the elongate hollow body; passing the cell collector, by movement of the retrievable thread, through the elongate hollow body in a direction from the second port towards the first port, through at least one of the first port and the second port. Preferably, the method further comprises passing the cell collector, by movement of the retrievable thread, in a direction from the second port towards the first port through both the first port and the second port. Preferably, the method further comprises adjusting the respective physical parameter of at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice. In some embodiments, the method further comprises setting the first and second parameters of the first and second orifices, respectively, to the same value, such that a first resistance or tug on the cell collector as it passes through the first orifice is substantially the same as a second resistance or tug on the cell collector as it passes through the second orifice. In some embodiments, the method further comprises setting the first and second parameters of the first and second orifices, respectively, to different values, such that a first resistance or tug on the cell collector as it passes through the first orifice is different from a second resistance or tug on the cell collector as it passes through the second orifice. In some embodiments, the first physical parameter of the first orifice and the second physical parameter of the second orifice are different parameters, such that a first resistance or tug on the cell collector as it passes through the first orifice is different from a second resistance or tug on the cell collector as it passes through the second orifice. In some embodiments, the training apparatus is in accordance with the preceding aspect, and the adjusting at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice in its respective physical parameter includes: adjusting the first and second orifices in their respective parameters to the first configuration simulating the morphology of a human oesophagus in a typical or normal state; or, adjusting the first and second orifices in their respective physical parameters to the second configuration simulating the morphology of a human oesophagus in an atypical or abnormal state. In some embodiments, the training apparatus is in accordance with the preceding aspect, and the adjusting at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice in its respective physical parameter includes adjusting the first and second orifices in their respective parameters to the third configuration. In some embodiments, the method further comprises unloading the cell collection device from the training apparatus, wherein either: the training apparatus is in accordance with the preceding aspect, and the unloading comprises withdrawing the retrievable thread from the elongate hollow body via the throat portion; or, the training apparatus is in accordance with the preceding aspect, and the unloading comprises adjusting the first and second orifices in their respective parameters to the conference or out-of-use configuration, and, thereafter, withdrawing the retrievable thread from the elongate hollow body via the throat portion; or, the training apparatus is in accordance with the previous aspect, and the unloading comprises withdrawing the retrievable thread via the single slit. In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting a position of one or both of the first and second ports along a length of the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sliding or reattaching the respective orifice-adjusting mechanism at the first port to a first position along the elongate hollow body, and / or sliding or reattaching the respective orifice-adjusting mechanism at the second port to a second position along the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the first physical parameter of the first orifice and the second physical parameter of the second orifice differ, such that a first resistance or tug on the cell collection device inserted through the first orifice is different from a second resistance or tug on the cell collection device inserted through the second orifice. In another aspect, there is provided a method for disassembly or stowing of the training apparatus of any preceding aspect, the method comprising removing one or both of the first and second ports; and / or unmounting the elongate hollow body from a stand, or a door or wall, or one or more handles; and / or detaching or separating a throat portion of the elongate hollow body from an oesophageal tract portion of the elongate hollow body. In some embodiments, the removing one or both of the first and second ports includes detaching or uncoupling the mechanism for adjusting the first orifice from the elongate hollow body and / or detaching or uncoupling the mechanism for adjusting the second orifice from the elongate hollow body. Brief description of the drawings Examples of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la is a schematic illustration depicting a human patient undergoing an oesophageal cell collection procedure; Figure lb is a schematic illustration depicting an oesophageal cell collection device; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration depicting a perspective view of a training apparatus for training a user to deploy an oesophageal cell collection device in a human patient; Figure 3a is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional side view of the training apparatus; Figure 3b is a schematic illustration depicting a further, orthogonal side view of the training apparatus; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional plan view of a rotating disc mechanism for adjusting an orifice of the training apparatus; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration depicting plan views of the rotating disc mechanism in various configurations; Figure 6a is a schematic illustration depicting a perspective view of the rotating disc mechanism for adjusting an orifice of the training apparatus; Figure 6b is a schematic illustration depicting a plan view of the rotating disc mechanism for adjusting an orifice of the training apparatus; Figure 6c is a schematic illustration depicting a further perspective view of the rotating disc mechanism for adjusting an orifice of the training apparatus; Figure 7a is a schematic illustration depicting a plan view of an iris mechanism for adjusting an orifice of the training apparatus; Figure 7b is a schematic illustration depicting a perspective view of the iris mechanism for adjusting an orifice of the training apparatus; Figure 8a is a schematic illustration depicting a plan view of a slide mechanism for adjusting an orifice of the training apparatus; Figure 8b is a schematic illustration depicting a perspective view of the slide mechanism for adjusting an orifice of the training apparatus; Figure 9a is a schematic illustration depicting perspective views of an elongate hollow body of the training apparatus; Figure 9b is a schematic illustration depicting perspective and cross-sectional side views of a further elongate hollow body of the training apparatus. Figure 10 is a schematic illustration depicting side views of a yet further elongate hollow body of the training apparatus; Figure 11 is a schematic illustration depicting a perspective view of the elongate hollow body mounted to a stand for training use; Figure 12 is a schematic illustration depicting the training apparatus in use while the elongate hollow body is mounted to the stand; and, Figure 13 is a process flow diagram depicting a method for training, using the training apparatus, a user to deploy the oesophageal cell collection device in a human patient. Detailed description Figure la depicts a human patient 100 undergoing an oesophageal cell collection procedure in which a person 102, e.g., a healthcare practitioner, collects oesophageal cells by use of an oesophageal cell collection device 104 comprising a cell collection device 106 including a retrieval thread 108 and a swallowable capsule 110 attached at or proximate an end of the retrieval thread 108. The swallowable capsule 110 (not shown in Figure la) comprises a cell collector, and, more specifically, in this embodiment, a sponge (not shown). The oesophageal cell collection device 104 is deployed in the patient 100 by swallowing the swallowable capsule 110, thereby delivering it to a region of the oesophagus below at least the upper sphincter, and preferably both the upper and lower sphincters, of the oesophagus. The swallowable capsule 110 is designed to dissolve within the oesophagus, thereby exposing the sponge to surfaces of the oesophagus. The sponge may then be withdrawn from the oesophagus of the patient 100 by the person 102, by pulling on the retrieval thread 108. Figure lb depicts an embodiment of the oesophageal cell collection device 104. In this embodiment, the swallowable capsule 110 is tethered by the retrieval thread 108 to a body 112 of the oesophageal cell collection device 104. The body 112 may be used to store the swallowable capsule 110 and at least some of the retrieval thread 108 before use, and may also be held by the person 102 during the oesophageal cell collection procedure. During both deployment and withdrawal of the cell collection device 106, the morphology of the oesophagus of the patient 100 provides resistance to the cell collector, i.e., the sponge. Particular, i.e., marked, resistance to passage of the sponge is encountered at the upper and lower sphincters of the oesophagus. It is a realisation of the present inventors that there exists a need for training methods and apparatuses to enable healthcare practitioners to develop an understanding of expected and / or acceptable ranges of oesophageal resistance, or "tug", for a variety of archetypical patients. Archetypical patients may, for example, refer to patients of a certain demographic or combinatory demographic, e.g., patients of a certain age, and / or sex, and / or health level, and / or size, and / or stress level, and / or discomfort level. Other categorisations of archetypical patients, relating to physiological and / or psychological factors, may be made. Figure 2 depicts an embodiment of a training apparatus 200 for training a user to deploy an oesophageal cell collection device, such as the oesophageal cell collection device 104 depicted in Figures la and lb, in the human patient 100. The training apparatus 200 comprises an elongate hollow body 202 having a first port 204 disposed proximate its first end 206, and a second port 208 disposed proximate its second end 210 opposite the first end 206. The first port 204 may be referred to, equivalently, as an upper port 204, since, when the elongate hollow body is provided in a generally upright orientation to simulate the orientation of an oesophagus in a human in an upright position, the first end 206 is an upper end of the elongate hollow body 202. The second port 208 may be referred to, equivalently, as an lower port 208, since, when the elongate hollow body 202 is provided in a generally upright orientation to simulate the orientation of an oesophagus in a human in an upright position, the second end 210 is a lower end of the elongate hollow body 202. The upper and lower ports 204, 208 comprise first and second orifices 212, 214, respectively. Each orifice 212, 214 is adjustable in a respective physical parameter. Adjusting the first orifice 212 in a first physical parameter allows the upper port 204 to simulate the morphology of an upper human oesophageal sphincter. Adjusting the second orifice 214 in a second physical parameter allows the lower port 208 to simulate the morphology of a lower human oesophageal sphincter. As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6a-6c, each of the first and second ports 204, 208 may comprise a respective orifice-adjusting mechanism for adjusting the respective first and second physical parameters of the first and second orifices 212, 214. The first and second physical parameters may be the same parameter, or may be different parameters. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second physical parameters may be a diameter, a size (e.g., a cross-sectional area), a dimension, a geometry, a profile, a rigidity, a flexibility, an elasticity, or a resilience. The first physical parameter may be set by a user of the training apparatus 200, e.g., a healthcare practitioner, to be equal in value to that of the second physical parameter. In such an embodiment, the first and second orifices together simulate a scenario in which the respective morphologies of the upper and lower human oesophageal sphincters are the same. Preferably, the first physical parameter may be set to a different value than that of the second physical parameter, such that the first and second orifices together simulate a (more commonly realised) scenario in which the respective morphologies of the upper and lower human oesophageal sphincters differ. In the present embodiment, the elongate body 202 comprises a throat portion 216 for receiving the oesophageal cell collection device 104, in addition to an oesophageal tract portion 218 comprising the first and second ports 204, 208. The throat portion 216 is sized and shaped to simulate the morphology of a throat portion of the human oesophagus. In this embodiment, the training apparatus 200 further comprises, at the second end 210, a wetting region 220 for wetting the sponge (i.e., the cell collector) of the cell collection device 106 when it is deployed within the training apparatus 200. Wetting of the sponge, by a wetting device (not shown) provided at or proximate the wetting region 220, tends to result in a sponge texture which provides improved (e.g., more realistic) haptic feedback. In other words, wetting the sponge tends to improve simulation of the resistance and feel experienced by a medical practitioner during cell collection from an actual human patient, thereby better familiarising the medical practitioner with the procedure. Additionally, or alternatively, wetting the sponge may change the size or shape of the sponge, thereby providing further improved (e.g., more realistic) haptic feedback. The wetting region 220 may comprise a cut-out portion (not shown) for receiving a fluid and / or fluid receptacle, for wetting and / or changing the shape of the sponge of the oesophageal cell collection device. Figure 3a depicts a cross-sectional side view of the training apparatus 200. The throat portion 216 and the oesophageal tract portion 218 of the elongate hollow body 202 together form a single passage simulating the morphology of a human oesophagus, e.g. the oesophagus of the patient 100. The first orifice 212 of the first port 204 forms a first constriction in the single passage, thereby to increase a resistance to passage of the cell collector at the first port 204. The second orifice 214 of the second port 208 forms a second constriction in the single passage, thereby to increase a resistance to passage of the cell collector at the second port 204. The first orifice 212 and the second orifice 214 are, in this embodiment, coaxial with the oesophageal tract portion 218 at the first port 204 and the second port 208, respectively. As illustrated in Figure 3a, the morphologies of the respective firstand second constrictions may differ. For example, fixed parameters of the first and second orifices, instead of or in addition to the adjustable first and second physical parameters, may differ in value. For example, a fixed depth of one of the first or second constrictions may differ from that of the other one. In other embodiments, instead of or in addition to differing in respective fixed depths, the first and second constrictions may differ in, e.g., a taper, and / or an internal structure, and / or a geometry. Figure 3b depicts a further, orthogonal side view of the training apparatus 200. Each of the first and second ports 204, 208 comprises a respective orifice-adjusting mechanism, and more specifically, in this embodiment, a respective rotating disc mechanism. The rotating disc mechanism is configured to adjust the respective first and second physical parameter of the corresponding first and second orifices 212, 214 by rotation. As illustrated in Figure 3b, and as will be further explained with reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6a-6c below, each of the rotating disc mechanisms comprises a rotating disc with an axis of rotation parallel to and offset from the elongate axis of the elongate hollow body 202. Rotation of each rotating disc brings a respective aperture in the disc into alignment with the elongate hollow body 202, i.e., axially coaligns with the respective aperture (which forms a respective orifice 212, 214 at the port 204, 208) with the elongate hollow body 202. Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional plan view of a rotating disc mechanism 400. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 2, 3a, and 3b, the first orifice 212 of the first port 204 and the second orifice 214 of the second port 208 are each formed of such a rotating disc mechanism 400. The rotating disc mechanism 400 comprises a rotating disc 402 having an axis of rotation which is, as illustrated in Figure 3b, parallel to and offset from the elongate axis of the elongate hollow body 202. The rotating disc 402 comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 404, such that rotation of the disc 402 in the rotating disc mechanism 400 brings one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 404 into axial coalignment with the elongate hollow body 202. When brought into axial coalignment with the elongate hollow body 202, said one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 404 forms the respective first orifice 212 or second orifice 214. In other words, whichever of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 404 is brought, by rotation of the disc 404, into axial coalignment with the elongate hollow body 202 forms the constriction in the passage at the respective first or second port 204, 208. Hence, by rotation of the disc 402 within a housing of the rotating disc mechanism 400, apertures of varying physical parameters, e.g., diameter, may be brought into axial coalignment with the elongate hollow body 202. Adjustability in the respective physical parameter of the orifice formed by said aperture is thereby provided. The degree of resistance or tug exerted on the cell collector by the constrictions at the first and second ports 204, 208 can thus be varied by adjustment of the respective rotating disc mechanisms 400. Such adjustment may be considered incremental actuation of an adjustable aperture, in the sense that incremental changes in diameter of the aperture can be provided. For example, actuation (by disc rotation) of a rotating disc mechanism 400 may increase or decrease the diameter of the respective first or second orifice 212, 214, thereby decreasing or increasing, correspondingly, the resistance or tug exerted on the cell collector as it passes therethrough. In some embodiments, one or both rotating disc mechanisms 400 forming the first and second ports 204, 208 may be removable from and / or re-attachable to the elongate hollow body 202. Figure 5 depicts the rotating disc mechanism 400 in three configurations. In a first configuration 500, a first aperture 502 is brought into axial coalignment with the elongate hollow body 202, thereby to form the first or second orifice 212, 214. In a second configuration 504, a second, differently sized, aperture 506 is brought into axial coalignment with the elongate hollow body 202, thereby to form the first or second orifice 212, 214. In a third configuration 508, a third, further differently sized, aperture 510 is brought into axial coalignment with the elongate hollow body 202, thereby to form the first or second orifice 212, 214. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the rotating disc 404 comprises a tab 512 for actuation, i.e., rotation, of the disc 404. In other embodiments, the rotating disc 404 may comprise another suitable actuator for, e.g., rotation, of the disc 404. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the rotating disc mechanism 400 further comprises a housing 514 which is fixed relative to the elongate hollow body 202. The housing 514 may comprise a viewing window (not shown) for determining which aperture 502, 506, 510 is currently in axial coalignment with the elongate body 202. For example, the viewing window may reveal an aperture 502, 506, 510 not currently in axial coalignment with the elongate body 202. Additionally, or alternatively, the viewing window may reveal an indication (not shown) on a surface of the disc 404 as to which aperture 502, 506, 510 is currently in axial coalignment with the elongate body 202. In this embodiment, the rotating disc 404 comprises three apertures 502, 506, 510. In other embodiments, the plurality of apertures 502, 506, 510 consists of a number of apertures other than three, e.g., two, or four, or five, or six, or more apertures. Figure 6a depicts the rotating disc mechanism 400 forming the orifice of the second port 208 of the elongate hollow body 202, i.e. the second orifice 214. In this embodiment, the housing 514 is coupled, e.g., fastened or otherwise attached, to the elongate hollow body 202. The housing 510 may be removably and / or reattachably coupled to the elongate hollow body 202. The tab 508 actuates along a slot formed in the housing 510. The viewing window 516, in this embodiment, reveals an indication on the surface of the disc 404 as to the aperture currently in axial coalignment with the elongate hollow body 202. Referring again briefly to Figure 4, in this embodiment, each aperture 502, 506, 510 (depicted in Figure 4 as the plurality of apertures 400) is connected, by a respective slit formed along an entire height of the rotating disc 404, to a radially outer edge of the disc 404. One such disc slit 600 is visible in Figure 6a. As explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 6b, the slit 600 in the rotating disc 404, when aligned by rotation of the disc 404 with corresponding slits (not visible) formed in the elongate hollow body 202 and the housing 514, tends to allow the retrievable thread 108 to be passed directly into an interior of the elongate hollow body 202, i.e., eliminates the need for the thread 108 to be fed into the training apparatus 200 via the throat portion 21, or via the second end 210. Figure 6a also illustrates the tab 512 of the rotating disc 404 and the viewing window 601 formed in the housing 514 of the rotating disc mechanism 400, for determining which aperture (not visible in Figure 6a) is currently in axial coalignment with the elongate body 202. Figure 6b depicts the rotating disc mechanism 400 forming the first orifice 212 of the first port 204 or the second orifice 214 of the second port 208. A first slit 602 formed in the elongate hollow body 202 is shown in alignment with a second slit 604 formed in the housing 514, and in alignment with the respective disc slit 600 (not distinguishable in Figure 6b) connecting the radially outer edge of the disc 404 to whichever of the apertures 502, 506, 510 is axially coaligned with the elongate hollow body 202. Alignment of the slits 600, 602, 604 allows the retrievable thread 108 to be passed directly into an interior of the elongate hollow body 202, i.e., without being fed into the training apparatus 200 via the throat portion 216, or via the second end 210. Figure 6b also clearly depicts the viewing window 601 formed in the housing 514 of the rotating disc mechanism 400, for determining which aperture (not visible in Figure 6a) is currently in axial coalignment with the elongate body 202. The viewing window reveals an aperture 502, 506, 510 not currently in axial coalignment with the elongate body 202. The viewing window may also, in some embodiments, reveal an indication on a surface of the disc 404 as to which aperture 502, 506, 510 is currently in axial coalignment with the elongate body 202. Figure 6c depicts the rotating disc mechanism 400 forming the second orifice 214 of the second port 208 proximate the wetting region 220 of the training apparatus 200. As illustrated in Figure 6c, alignment of the first and second slits 602, 604 with the disc slit 600 (not visible in Figure 6c) forms a single slit along substantially the entire length of the elongate hollow body 202. Advantageously, this tends to allow easier loading of the retrievable thread 108 into the elongate hollow body 202, i.e. without the need to load feed the thread 108 via the throat portion 216 (or wetting region 220). The typical adult human oesophagus is known to be approximately 40 cm long as measured from the incisor teeth to the oesophageal base, or approximately 30 cm long as measured from the pharynx to the oesophageal base. Accordingly, a length of the elongate hollow body preferably corresponds approximately with these dimensions. For example, a length of the elongate hollow body may be 40 cm, or between 30 cm and 40 cm, or 30 cm, as measured from the first end or throat portion to the second end. By way of example, in an embodiment in accordance with the Figures 2-6c, the elongate hollow body may have a length, from throat portion to wetting region, of between 200 mm and 600 mm, e.g., between 300 mm and 500 mm, e.g., between 350 mm and 450 mm, e.g., about 400 mm, e.g., 403.5 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment, the throat portion may have a height, in the upright position of the training apparatus, of between 10 mm and 150 mm, e.g., between 50 mm and 100 mm, e.g., between 60 mm and 90 mm, e.g., between 70 mm and 80 mm, e.g., about 75 mm, e.g., 75.5 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment, the throat portion may comprise a curved portion having a longest edge length between 5 mm and 100 mm, e.g., between 30 mm and 60 mm, e.g., between 40 mm and 50 mm, e.g., about 45 mm, e.g., 46.4 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment, the throat portion may comprise a substantially straight portion having a length between 10 mm and 200 mm, e.g., between 50 mm and 150 mm, e.g., between 70 mm and 110 mm, e.g., between 80 mm and 100 mm, e.g., about 90 mm, e.g., 90.0 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment, the oesophageal tract portion may have a length of between 100 mm and 300 mm, e.g., between 100 mm and 300 mm, e.g., between 150 mm and 250 mm, e.g., between 175 mm and 225 mm, e.g., about 190 mm, e.g., 192.0 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment, the wetting region may have a length of between 10 mm and 150 mm, e.g., between 40 mm and 90 mm, e.g., between 50 mm and 80 mm, e.g., between 60 mm and 70 mm, e.g., about 65 mm, e.g., 63.0 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment, the oesophageal tract portion may have a length of between 100 mm and 300 mm, e.g., between 100 mm and 300 mm, e.g., between 150 mm and 250 mm, e.g., between 175 mm and 225 mm, e.g., about 190 mm, e.g., 192.0 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment, the first port (which may be formed of a rotating disc mechanism, or an iris mechanism, ora slide mechanism, ora constricting / re-enforcing device, or an internal structure, in accordance with the above embodiments) may have a height, in the upright position of the training apparatus, of between 5 mm and 50 mm, e.g., between 20 mm and 40 mm, e.g., between 25 mm and 35 mm, e.g., about 30 mm, e.g., 30.0 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment, the second port (which may be formed of a rotating disc mechanism, or an iris mechanism, or a slide mechanism, or a constricting / re-enforcing device, or an internal structure, in accordance with the above embodiments) may have a height, in the upright position of the training apparatus, of between 2 mm and 50 mm, e.g., between 5 mm and 30 mm, e.g., between 10 mm and 20 mm, e.g., about 15 mm, e.g., 15.0 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment, which includes a first rotating disc mechanism at the first port (simulating a morphology of an upper oesophageal sphincter), the plurality of apertures formed therein may range in diameter between 5 mm and 35 mm, e.g., between 8 mm and 20 mm, or between 20 mm and 35 mm, or between 10 mm and 15 mm, e.g., between 10.5 mm and 14.5 mm. The plurality of apertures may comprise, for example, a first aperture having a diameter of between 5 mm and 35 mm, e.g., between 8 mm and 20 mm, or between 20 mm and 35 mm, or between 8 mm and 12 mm, e.g., between 10 mm and 11 mm, e.g., 10.5 mm. The plurality of apertures may comprise, for example, a second aperture having a diameter of between 5 mm and 35 mm, e.g., between 8 mm and 20 mm, or between 20 mm and 35 mm, or between 10 mm and 15 mm, e.g., between 12 mm and 13 mm, e.g., 12.5 mm. The plurality of apertures may comprise, for example, a third aperture having a diameter of between 5 mm and 35 mm, e.g., between 8 mm and 20 mm, or between 20 mm and 35 mm, or between 12 mm and 17 mm, e.g., between 14 mm and 15 mm, e.g., 14.5 mm. By way of example, in this embodiment which includes a second rotating disc mechanism at the second port (simulating a morphology of a lower oesophageal sphincter), the respective further plurality of apertures formed therein may range in diameter between 5 mm and 35 mm, e.g., between 30 mm and 35 mm, or between 15 mm and 25 mm, or between 12.5 mm and 18.0 mm. The further plurality of apertures may comprise, for example, a further first aperture having a diameter of between 5 mm and 35 mm, e.g., between 30 mm and 35 mm, or between 15 mm and 25 mm, or between 10 mm and 14 mm, e.g., between 12 mm and 13 mm, e.g., 12.5 mm. The further plurality of apertures may comprise, for example, a further second aperture having a diameter of between 5 mm and 35 mm, e.g., between 30 mm and 35 mm, or between 15 mm and 25 mm, or between 12 mm and 17 mm, e.g., between 14 mm and 15 mm, e.g., 14.5 mm. The further plurality of apertures may comprise, for example, a further third aperture having a diameter of between 5 mm and 35 mm, e.g., between 30 mm and 35 mm, or between 15 mm and 25 mm, e.g., between 15 mm and 20 mm, e.g., between 17 mm and 19 mm, e.g., about 18 mm, e.g., 18.0 mm. Figure 7a depicts a further mechanism for forming the orifice of one or both of the first and second ports 204, 208. In this embodiment, the mechanism is an iris mechanism 700. Like rotating disc mechanism 400, the iris mechanism 700 comprises a disc 702 and a housing 704. However, in this embodiment, the disc 702 of the iris mechanism 700 comprises a diaphragm formed of a plurality of overlapping leaves 706. The leaves 706 extend radially inward to form a central aperture 708. Rotation of the leaves 706 relative to each other adjusts the degree of overlap of the leaves 706, such that a diameter of the central aperture 708 is altered. As in the rotating disc mechanism 400, actuation of the iris mechanism is achieved by actuation of a tab 710 connected to the rotating disc 702. Similarly, the tab 710 actuates along a slot formed in the housing 704. Figure 7b depicts the iris mechanism 700 forming the first orifice 212 of the first port 204 or the second orifice 214 of the second port 208. The housing 704 is coupled, e.g. fastened or otherwise attached, to the elongate hollow body 202. The housing 704 may be removably coupled to the elongate hollow body 202. The tab 710 actuates along a slot formed in the housing 704, thereby to expand or contract the diaphragm of the disc 702. In this embodiment, the housing 704 is provided with indicators 712 on its surface as to the central aperture configuration currently adopted by the iris mechanism 700, i.e., diameter of the central aperture 708. Hence, by expansion and contraction of the diaphragm of the disc 702, the diameter of the central aperture 708 which forms the orifice 212, 214 of the corresponding port 204, 208 of the elongate hollow body 202 may be increased or decreased, respectively. Adjustability in the respective physical parameter of the orifice (in this embodiment, diameter) is thus provided. The degree of resistance or tug exerted on the cell collector by the constrictions at the first and second ports 204, 208 can thus be varied by adjustment of the respective iris mechanisms 700. Such adjustment may be considered incremental actuation of an adjustable aperture, in the sense that incremental changes in diameter of the aperture can be provided. Figure 8a depicts a yet further mechanism for forming the orifice of one or both of the first and second ports 204, 208. In this embodiment, said mechanism is a slide mechanism 800. The slide mechanism 800 is formed of a slide 802 and a bushing or housing 804. The bushing 804 is configured to circumscribe the elongate hollow body 202, and is slotted at opposing sides to receive the slide 802 therethrough. Figures 8a and 8b depict the slide mechanism 800 forming the first orifice 212 of the first port 204 or the second orifice 214 of the second port 208. The slide 802 is provided with a central aperture 806. When the slide 802 is correctly inserted through the slotted bushing 804, the central aperture 806 is substantially centrally positioned between the opposing slotted sides of the elongate hollow body 202, such that the central aperture 806 is substantially axially coaligned with the elongate hollow body 202. The slide 802 may be provided with guide 808 for guiding the slide 802 into a position in which the central aperture 806 is substantially centrally positioned between the opposing slotted sides of the elongate hollow body 202. The guide 808 may be configured to engage with a surface of the elongate hollow body 202 and / or a surface of the bushing 804. The guide 808 may be configured to engage with a reciprocal guide disposed on a surface of the elongate hollow body 202 and / or a surface of the bushing 804. Each of the guide 808 and the reciprocal guide may comprise one or alignment features, such as one or more ribs, protrusions, notches, grooves, recesses, or any similar suitable feature for engaging a surface or reciprocal feature, or a combination thereof. Advantageously, this tends to provide for locking or securing of the position of the slide 802 relative to the bushing 804 when, and / or an indication that, the central aperture 806 is substantially centrally positioned within the elongate hollow body 202. In certain embodiments, a plurality of slides, each having a different configuration of central aperture, may be provided. For example, the central apertures may differ in shape, or diameter, or depth, or profile, or material, or position in the plane of the slide, or a combination thereof. Substituting one slide for another thus provides adjustability in the respective physical parameter of the orifice (in this embodiment, diameter). The degree of resistance or tug exerted on the cell collector by the constrictions formed by the first and second orifices 212, 214 can thus be varied by adjustment of the respective slide mechanisms 800. Figure 9a depicts a flexible tube 900 which may, in some embodiments, form the elongate hollow body 202. The flexible tube 900 may allow for external constriction, by a constricting device 902, at one or more locations along the length of the elongate hollow body 202. The constricting device 902 may comprise, e.g., one or more clips, one or more clamps, one or more O-rings, one or more drawstrings, one or more cable ties, or a combination thereof. The constricting device 902 may be considered an equivalent mechanism for forming the orifices 212, 214, alternative to the rotating disc mechanism 400, iris mechanism 700, or slide mechanism 800 described in embodiments above. The flexible tube 900 may include indications 904 to indicate respective locations for constriction to form the first and second orifices 212, 214. The flexible tube 900 may, in some embodiments, be flexible only in certain locations along the length of the elongate hollow body 202, i.e., may be rigid / inflexible elsewhere along a length of the elongate hollow body 202. As illustrated in Figure 9b, this may be accomplished by providing a further tube 906 of lesser flexibility than the flexible tube 900, the further tube 906 having gaps 908 which expose only certain portions of the flexible tube 900. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 9b, the further tube 906 is a reenforcing outer tube concentric with the flexible tube 900, i.e., is a tube of greater diameter than the flexible tube 900. In other embodiments, the further tube 906 may be a concentric inner tube positioned within the flexible tube 900, i.e., may be a tube of smaller diameter than the flexible tube 900. Figure 10 depicts a further embodiment in which the elongate hollow body 202 is formed of a tube 1000 having a plurality of parts detachable or separable from one another. In this embodiment, a first section 1002 of the tube 1000 is connected by a second section 1004 to a third section 1006 of the tube 1000. The first port 204 is formed in the first section 1002, and the second port 208 is formed in the third section 1006. In particular, each of the first and second ports 204, 208 (and the orifices 212, 214 thereby defined) is formed by a respective internal structure 1008 of the first and third sections 1002, 1006. Each internal structure 1008 may comprise a geometric feature or texture on an inner surface of the respective section 1002, 1006, and defines a respective orifice of the first and second orifices 212, 214. Each internal structure 1008 may be considered an equivalent mechanism for forming the orifices 212, 214, alternative to the rotating disc mechanism 400, iris mechanism 700, slide mechanism 800, or constricting device 902 described in embodiments above. In this embodiment, the first and second sections 1002, 1004 are reversibly connected. The second and third sections 1004, 1006 may be similarly reversibly connected. Advantageously, the first and third sections 1002, 1006 may each be substituted for a section having alternative features suitable for forming the appropriate orifice of the first and second orifices 212, 214. In this embodiment, the internal structures 1008 forming the first and second orifices 212, 214 are respectively disposed within the first and third sections 1002, 1006 of the tube 1000. However, in other embodiments, one or both internal structures 1008 may be disposed in a different region of the tube 1002, e.g., in the second section 1004. In another embodiment not depicted, one or both internal structures 1008 may consist of a slot or channel formed in the tube 1000. The slot or channel may vary in width and / or profile along the length of the tube 1000, thereby allowing expansion and restriction of the sponge (or other suitable cell collector) during passage through the elongate hollow body 202. That is, a slot or channel having varying width and / or profile along its length provides a varied degree of resistance or tug exerted on the cell collection device 106 as passes along the elongate hollow body 202. The slot or channel may extend along the entire length of the elongate hollow body 202, or along only a portion of the elongate hollow body 202, e.g., a portion excluding the throat portion 216. As in above embodiments in which the elongate hollow body 202 is provided with a slit, the slot or channel formed in the tube 1000 may provide for faster and more convenient loading (and unloading) of the retrievable thread 108 into (and from) the elongate hollow body 202. In some embodiments, one or more of the slits 600, 602, 604, such as the first slit 602 formed in the elongate hollow body, may be accompanied by a respective lip or guide proximate said slit. In some embodiments, only a portion of the one or more slits, e.g., the first slit 602, is accompanied by a lip or guide, e.g., proximate the first slit 602 along some or all of length of the throat portion 216 of the elongate hollow body 202. Advantageously, each respective lip or guide, whether provided along an entire length of the corresponding slit, or along only a portion of the slit, allows for faster and more convenient loading of the retrievable thread 108 into the elongate hollow body 202, by reducing the tendency of the thread to slip from, or "miss", the slit during insertion. With reference to the training apparatus 200 of the above embodiments, various training configurations characterised by the physical parameters of the orifices 212, 214 of the ports 204, 208 of the training apparatus 200 will be described below. In a first configuration, the first and second orifices of the elongate hollow body 202 are each adjusted, i.e., controllably set, in their respective first or second physical parameter to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in a typical or normal state. By way of example, an upper oesophageal sphincter of a human oesophagus in the typical or normal state may be characterised by a diameter of approximately 0.8 cm to 2.0 cm at rest (relatively closed sphincter). By way of example, an upper oesophageal sphincter of a human oesophagus in the typical or normal state may be characterised by a diameter of approximately 2.0 cm to 3.5 cm during swallowing (relatively open sphincter). By way of example, a lower oesophageal sphincter of a human oesophagus in the typical or normal state may be characterised by a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm at rest (relatively closed sphincter). By way of example, a lower oesophageal sphincter of a human oesophagus in the typical or normal state may be characterised by a diameter of approximately 3.0 cm to 3.5 cm during swallowing (relatively open sphincter). In the first configuration, the typical or normal state, the morphology of which is being simulated, may be either the resting (closed sphincter) state or the swallowing (open sphincter) state. While in this first configuration, the first and second orifices may each be adjusted, i.e., controllably set, in their respective first or second physical parameter to transition the training apparatus between a sub-configuration which simulates the morphology of the normal resting state and a further sub-configuration which simulates the morphology of the normal swallowing state. That is, in the first configuration, adjusting the first orifice in its first physical parameter to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in the typical or normal state may include adjusting the diameter of the first orifice to a value, in the resting case, between approximately 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm, or, in the swallowing case, between approximately 3.0 cm to 3.5 cm. Adjusting the second orifice in its second physical parameter to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in the typical or normal state may include, in the resting case, adjusting the diameter of the second orifice to a value between approximately 0.8 cm and 2.0 cm, or, in the swallowing case, between approximately 2.0 cm and 3.5 cm. In a second configuration, the first and second orifices are each adjusted, i.e., controllably set, in their respective first or second physical parameter to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in an atypical or abnormal state. In the second configuration, the physical parameters of the first and second orifices, e.g., diameters, or sizes, or shapes, are adjusted such that a resistance or tug on the cell collector passing therethrough is, depending on the atypical or abnormal state whose morphology is being simulated, greater than that in the first configuration, or less than that in the first configuration. The atypical or abnormal state may be a state indicative of an unwanted or otherwise medically noteworthy condition of the human patient, e.g., a distressed condition, an anxious condition, a panicked condition, an excessive gagging condition, an unconscious condition, a diagnostically relevant condition, or an emergency condition. By way of example, an upper oesophageal sphincter of a human oesophagus in the atypical or abnormal state may be characterised by a diameter of less than approximately 0.8 cm, or more than approximately 2.0 cm, at rest (relatively closed sphincter). By way of example, an upper oesophageal sphincter of a human oesophagus in the atypical or abnormal state may be characterised by a diameter of less than approximately 2.0 cm, or more than approximately 3.5 cm, during swallowing (relatively open sphincter). By way of example, a lower oesophageal sphincter of a human oesophagus in the atypical or abnormal state may be characterised by a diameter of less than approximately 1.5 cm, or more than approximately 2.5 cm, at rest (relatively closed sphincter). By way of example, a lower oesophageal sphincter of a human oesophagus in the atypical or abnormal state may be characterised by a diameter of less than approximately 3.0 cm, or more than approximately 3.5 cm, during swallowing (relatively open sphincter). In the second configuration, the atypical or abnormal state the morphology of which is being simulated may be either the resting (relatively closed sphincter) state or the swallowing (relatively closed sphincter) state. While in this second configuration, the first and second orifices may each be adjusted, i.e., controllably set, in their respective first or second physical parameter to transition the training apparatus between a sub-configuration which simulates the morphology of the abnormal resting state and a further sub-configuration which simulates the morphology of the abnormal swallowing state. That is, in the second configuration, adjusting the first orifice in its first physical parameter to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in the atypical or abnormal state may include adjusting the diameter of the first orifice to a value, in the resting case, less than approximately 0.8 cm, or more than approximately 2.0 cm, or, in the swallowing case, less than approximately 2.0 cm, or more than approximately 3.5 cm. Adjusting the second orifice in its second physical parameter to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in the atypical or abnormal state may include adjusting the diameter of the second orifice to a value, in the resting case, less than approximately 1.5 cm or more than approximately 2.5 cm, or, in the swallowing case, less than approximately 3.0 cm or more than approximately 3.5 cm. In a third configuration, the first and second orifices are each adjusted in their respective physical parameters such that the training apparatus is in a non-clinical or training configuration. The non-clinical or training configuration may be a configuration in which the morphology of a human oesophagus is simulated in a state indicative of an extreme, i.e. rarely physically realised, condition. In other words, the non-clinical or training configuration may be a configuration suitable for training purposes only, and not representative of a clinical or realistic morphology of a human oesophagus. In any case, in the third configuration, the resistance or tug on the cell collector passing therethrough is less than that in both the first and second configurations. In the third configuration, adjusting the first and second orifices in their respective first and second physical parameters such that the training apparatus is in a non-clinical or training configuration may include adjusting the respective diameter(s) of one or both of the first and second orifices to a value greater than 3.5 cm. In the above, and other, exemplary configurations, the value of the first physical parameter of the first orifice and the value of the second physical parameter of the second orifice may differ, such that a first resistance or tug on the cell collector passing through the first orifice is different from a second resistance or tug on the cell collector passing through the second orifice. Other configurations of the training apparatus than the exemplary configurations described above are envisaged. Figure 11 depicts an embodiment in which the elongate hollow body 202 is mounted to a stand 1100 fortraining use. The mounting is achieved via a mounting device 1102 of the training apparatus 200. In this embodiment, the mounting device 1102 comprises a plurality of screw holes for fixedly coupling the elongate hollow body 202 to the stand 1100. The coupling is removable, i.e., reversible, such that the elongate hollow body 202 may be unmounted, e.g., after training use, and remounted, e.g., in preparation for subsequent training use. As illustrated by Figure 11, the stand 1100 may be shaped to simulate a silhouette of a human patient, thereby providing a frame of reference to a user as to the location and orientation of the elongate hollow body 202 (simulating the human oesophagus) relative to the rest of the human anatomy. In this embodiment, the stand 1100 further comprises a base portion 1104 having legs 1106 for stabilising the stand 1100 in an upright orientation. In other embodiments, a different suitable stabilising device may be provided at the base portion 1104, for stabilising the stand 1100 a surface, e.g., a tabletop. In some embodiments not depicted, the stand 1100 may further include a securing device (not shown in Figure 11) at the base portion 1104, or elsewhere, on the stand, for securing the stand 1100 on a surface, e.g., a tabletop. The securing device may be, for example, one or more suction clamps, one or more vices, one or more fasteners, an adhesive, or one or more weights, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mounting device 1102 of the training apparatus 200 may be for mounting the apparatus 200 to a surface, e.g. of a door or wall, in addition to or instead of for mounting the elongate hollow body 202 to the stand 1100. For example, the mounting device 1102 may comprise a hook for hooking the training apparatus 200 onto or over a door or wall. In some embodiments not depicted, the training apparatus 200 may further comprise one or more handles for holding the elongate hollow body 202 in a generally upright configuration, thereby to simulate the orientation of an oesophagus in a human in an upright position. The one or more handles may be removable from and / or re-attachable to the elongate hollow body 202. In some embodiments, some or all of the elongate hollow body 202 may be transparent, or partially transparent, thereby to allow a user to view the retrievable thread 108 and sponge (or other suitable cell collector) in use. For example, the throat portion 216 and / or the oesophageal tract portion 218 may be transparent. Figure 12 depicts the mounted training apparatus 200 in use. As illustrated, the aligned slits 600, 602, 604 provide easy insertion of the retrievable thread 108 into the elongate hollow body 202. The sponge of the cell collection device 106, shown in Figure 12 external to the elongate hollow body 202 below the wetting region 220, may be drawn up through the elongate hollow body 202 via the first and second ports 204, 208. This is accomplished by pulling on the retrievable thread 108 proximate the throat portion 216. The stand 1100, and in particular the legs 1106, stabilise the training apparatus 200 to prevent it from toppling while force is applied via the oesophageal cell collection device 104. Adjustment of one or both of the first and second physical parameters may be achieved by actuating the orifice adjusting-mechanisms of the first and second ports 204, 208, respectively. In this embodiment, actuating the mechanisms of the first and second ports 204, 208 includes sliding the respective tabs 512 (not visible in Figure 12). Figure 13 is a process flow diagram depicting a method 1300 of training, using the training apparatus 200, a user to deploy the oesophageal cell collection device 104 in a human patient. It is envisaged by the present inventors that the steps of method 1300, described hereinafter with reference to Figure 13 and the training apparatus embodied above, may, wherever appropriate, occur simultaneously or sequentially. The steps are to be understood as chronologically interchangeable to the extent that the method so-modified still achieves the technical effect of the present invention. At step 1302, the training apparatus 200 in accordance with any of the above embodiments is provided. In this embodiment, the training apparatus 200 is provided in a generally upright configuration to simulate the orientation of an oesophagus in a human in an upright position. In other embodiments, the training apparatus 200 is provided in a non-upright configuration to simulate the orientation of an oesophagus in a human in a position other than an upright position, e.g., a reclined position, or a seated position, or a tilted position, ora recovery position. Step 1302 may include, for example, mounting the elongate hollow body 202 on a stand 1100, or a door or wall, or one or more handles. At step 1304, the cell collection device 106 of an oesophageal cell collection device 104 in accordance with any of the above embodiments is deployed, by the user, into the elongate hollow body 202. Step 1304 may be considered a procedure of loading the training apparatus 200. Step 1304 includes positioning the sponge (or other suitable cell collector) below at least one of the first and second ports 204, 208. Step 1304 may include passing the cell collection device 106 (i.e., the sponge or other suitable cell collector, and the retrievable thread 108), by the user, down through the throat portion 216 into the oesophageal tract portion 220. This may be considered a step of training deployment of the cell collection device 106 into a human patient in a clinically realistic manner. Alternatively, step 1304 may include passing, by the user, the retrievable thread 108 of the cell collection device 106 into the elongate hollow body 202, through the aligned slits 600, 602, 604 forming the single slit along the length of the elongate hollow body 202, i.e., loading the training apparatus 200. This may be considered a step of deploying the cell collection device 106 into the training apparatus 200 in a physically unrealistic, or non-clinical, manner. Advantageously, deploying the cell collection device 106 in the physically unrealistic, or non-clinical, manner tends to be faster and more convenient than the step of training deployment in a clinically realistic manner. It also tends to avoid further, unnecessary wear on the orifices 212, 214 once the preceding steps of method 1300 have been executed. The method 1300 may include, at step 1306, positioning the sponge (or other suitable cell collector) below the first and second ports 204, 208, e.g., at, proximate, or below the wetting region 220, if such a region of the elongate hollow body 202 is provided. The sponge (or other suitable cell collector) may be exposed on the retrievable thread 108, or may be contained in a swallowable capsule 110. The method 1300 may include, at step 1308, wetting the sponge (or other suitable cell collector), whether exposed or in the swallowable capsule 110, by a wetting device at, proximate, or below the wetting region 220, thereby to wet and / or change the shape of the sponge (or other suitable cell collector). In the case in which the sponge was delivered to the training apparatus 200 in the swallowable capsule 110, the wetting at step 1308 includes dissolving the capsule 110 thereby to expose the sponge to the wetting device. In some embodiments, the sponge (or other suitable cell collector) is pre-expanded. In some embodiments, the sponge (or other suitable cell collector) is pre-wetted, or otherwise does not need to be wetted for the method 1300 to proceed. Optionally, the method 1300 may include, at step 1310, adjusting, by the user, at least one of the first and second orifices 212, 214 in its respective first or second physical parameter. Step 1310 may be performed before, during, or after each of step 1302, step 1304, and (if applicable) steps 1306 and 1308. For example, in some embodiments, step 1310 is performed prior to the deploying, at step 1304, the cell collection device 106 into the training apparatus 200. The adjustment(s) is performed by actuation of the respective mechanism, e.g., of the rotating disc mechanism 400, of the iris mechanism 700, or of the slide mechanism 800, or the constricting device 902, or the internal structure 1008, in the appropriate manner described with reference to embodiments of Figures 4-10 above. The adjustment(s) may be made to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in a typical or normal state in accordance with the above exemplary first configuration of the training apparatus 200, or in accordance with another configuration simulating typical or normal state. The adjustment(s) may be made to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in an atypical or abnormal state in accordance with the above exemplary second configuration of the training apparatus 200, or in accordance with another configuration simulating an atypical or abnormal state. The adjustment(s) may be made to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus typical of a certain demographic, i.e., an archetypical morphology, e.g., those described with reference to the embodiments above. The adjustment(s) may be made to simulate a physical unrealistic morphology of a human oesophagus, i.e., to adopt a non-clinical or training configuration in accordance with the above exemplary third configuration of the training apparatus 200, or in accordance with another suitable non-clinical or training configuration. Step 1310 may include setting the first or second physical parameter of the first or second orifice 212, 214, to the same value as that of the other orifice 212, 214. Alternatively, step 1310 may include setting the first or second physical parameter of the first or second orifice 212, 214, to a different value than that of the other orifice 212, 214. Step 1310 may include adjusting both the first and second physical parameters to a common, i.e., same, value. Alternatively, step 1310 may include adjusting both the first and second physical parameters such that the parameters do not share a common, i.e., same, value. At step 1312, the sponge (or other suitable cell collector) is passed or drawn, by movement of the thread 108, in a direction from the first port 208 towards the first port 204, through at least one of the first and second orifices 212, 214. The resistance or tug on the cell collection device 106 as the sponge passes the orifice(s) 212, 214 therethrough is noted / acknowledged by the user as indicative of the state and / or demographic being simulated by the selected training apparatus configuration. That is, the haptic feedback experienced by the user at step 1312 is noted / acknowledged by the user as representative, as a helpful comparable in subsequent clinical (real-world) procedures, of a certain patient condition and / or patient demographic corresponding to the state and / or demographic simulated by the selected configuration. Step 1312 may include passing or drawing the sponge (or other suitable cell collector) of the cell collection device 106 upwards through, in sequence, each of the first and second orifices 212, 214. In this manner, the relative resistances or tugs on the cell collection device 106 as the sponge passes through the orifices 212, 214 is noted / acknowledged by the user as indicative of the state and / or demographic being simulated by the selected training apparatus configuration. That is, the haptic feedback experienced by the user may be noted / acknowledged by the user as representative, as a helpful comparable in subsequent clinical (real-world) procedures, of a certain patient condition and / or patient demographic corresponding to the state and / or demographic simulated by the selected configuration. Step 1310 may be performed at any time preceding or during performance of step 1312, or, in the case where the first and second orifices 212, 214 are deemed not to need adjusting from their current / previous settings, not at all. Optionally, the method 1300 may include, at step 1314a, withdrawing, by the user, the cell collection device 106 (i.e., sponge and thread) from the elongate hollow body 202 via the throat portion 216. Step 1314a may be considered a step of training withdrawal of the cell collection device 106 from a human patient, in a clinically realistic manner. Alternatively, at step 1314b, the first and second orifices 212, 214 may be adjusted, by the user, in their first and second physical parameters such that the training apparatus 200 adopts a "conference" configuration or "out-of-use" configuration. In this configuration, the extent of constriction of the elongate hollow body 202 at the first and second orifices 212, 214 is reduced, and may be substantially zero. In other words, the resistance or tug exerted at the first and second orifices 212, 214 is lower than that in the exemplary first or second configurations, and may be substantially the same as that exerted along unconstricted regions of the oesophageal tract portion 220. In the conference configuration, the resistance or tug exerted at one or both of the first and second orifices 212, 214 may be less than about 50% of that exerted by the corresponding orifice(s) at step 1312, or less than about 40% of the same, or less than about 30%, or less than about 20%, or less than about 10%. Such a conference configuration may be, for example, the third configuration of the training apparatus 200 (i.e., that simulating the non-clinical state), or any other another suitable low-resista nee or low-tug configuration. Optional step 1314b includes, after adopting the conference configuration, withdrawing, by the user, the cell collection device 106 (i.e., sponge and thread) from the elongate hollow body 202 via the throat portion 216. Step 1314b may be considered a step of low-resistance withdrawal of the cell collection device 106 from the training apparatus 200. Advantageously, withdrawing the cell collection device 106 in this manner is faster and more convenient than step 1314a, and does not require the presence of alignment of slits 600, 602, 604 along the training apparatus 202. It also tends to reduce wear on the orifices 212, 214, which is desirable once the preceding steps of method 1300 have been executed, i.e. once training of the user has taken place. Alternatively, at step 1314c, the retrievable thread 108 of the cell collection device 106 is withdrawn, by the user, via the aligned slits 600, 602, 604, i.e., unloading the training apparatus 200. Step 1314c may be considered a step of withdrawing the cell collection device 106 from the training apparatus 200 in a physically unrealistic, or non-clinical, manner. Advantageously, withdrawing the cell collection device 106 in the physically unrealistic, or non-clinical, manner tends to be faster and more convenient than the alternative step 1314a of training withdrawal or the alternative step 1314b of low-resistance withdrawal. It also tends to avoid further wear on the orifices 212, 214, which is desirable once the preceding steps of method 1300 have been executed, i.e. once training of the user has taken place. The method 1300 may further include, at step 1316, adjusting a position of one or both of the first and second ports 204, 208 along a length of the elongate hollow body. Step 1316 may include, for example, sliding or reattaching the mechanism for adjusting the first orifice 212 to a new position along the elongate hollow body 202, and / or sliding or reattaching the mechanism for adjusting the second orifice 212 to a new position along the elongate hollow body 202. The method 1300 may further include, at step 1318, providing the training apparatus in a non-upright configuration to simulate the orientation of an oesophagus in a human in a position other than an upright position, e.g., a reclined position, or a seated position, or a tilted position, or a recovery position. Step 1318 may include, for example, mounting the elongate hollow body 202 on a stand 1100, or mounted on a door or wall, or one or more handles. Step 1318 may be performed before, during, or after any of the steps 1302-1316, and may be performed instead of step 1302. Steps 1316 and 1318 may be considered steps to reconfigure fixed physical parameters of the training apparatus 200, as opposed to step 1310 which may be considered a step of reconfiguring the adjustable first and second physical parameters of the training apparatus 200. Steps 1316 and 1318 are preferably performed before deploying the device 104 at step 1304 (i.e., as a start-up configuration of the training apparatus) or after withdrawing / unloading at step 1314a, 1314b, 1314c (i.e., as a shut-down reconfiguration of the training apparatus). Some or all of steps 1302-1318 may be iterated, thereby to define a training process for familiarising a healthcare practitioner with the haptic feedback associated with various conditions and / or demographics of real human patients undergoing testing with the training apparatus 200. For example, steps 1304-1312 may be iterated during a single training session, thereby to provide repeat training "runs", wherein, e.g., different adjustments are made at each iteration of step 1310, thereby to simulate a range of conditions and / or demographics of real human patients. Thus, a method for training a user to deploy an oesophageal cell collection device in a human patient is provided. In some embodiments, following execution of the method 1300, an optional disassembly or stowing procedure may be performed on the training apparatus 200. The optional disassembly or stowing procedure may include removing one or both of the first and second ports 204, 208. This may include detaching or uncoupling the mechanism for adjusting the first orifice 212 from the elongate hollow body 202, and / or detaching or uncoupling the mechanism for adjusting the second orifice 214 from the elongate hollow body 202. The optional disassembly or stowing procedure may include unmounting the elongate hollow body 202 from a stand 1100, or a door or wall, or one or more handles. The optional disassembly or stowing procedure may include detaching or separating the throat portion 216 from the oesophageal tract portion 220. The disassembly or stowing procedure may also include removing the legs 1106 from the stand 1100. In the above embodiments of the training apparatus and methods of use thereof, the physical parameters of the first and second orifices respectively formed at the first and second ports are adjustable. In some embodiments, however, only one of the first and second physical parameters are adjustable. In some embodiments, the first physical parameter and the second physical parameter is the same physical parameter, i.e., the same parameter is adjustable for each orifice. In other embodiments, the first physical parameter and the second physical parameter are different physical parameters, i.e., the adjustable physical parameter of the first orifice is a different adjustable physical parameter than that of the second orifice. In some embodiments, at least one of the first physical parameter and the second physical parameter is a diameter of the respective orifice, or a dimension of the respective orifice, or a depth of the respective orifice, or a profile of the respective orifice, or a geometry of the respective orifice, or a rigidity of the respective orifice, or a flexibility of the respective orifice, or an elasticity of the respective orifice, or a resilience of the respective orifice. In some embodiments, the first and second physical parameters may be adjusted to the same value. In some embodiments, as is the case in the training apparatus adopting the first, second, and third exemplary configurations above, the first and second physical parameters may be adjusted to the same value. These embodiments allow simulation of the (physically realistic) scenario in which the respective morphologies of the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters are not identical. A first resistance or tug exerted on the cell collector as it passes through the first orifice would therefore differ from a second resistance or tug on the cell collector as it passes through the second orifice. In some embodiments, a position of at least one of the first port and the second port is also adjustable along a length of the elongate hollow body. For example, one or both of the mechanisms for adjusting the first and second orifices may be configured to slide along a length of the elongate hollow body, or configured to be detached from and reattached to the elongate hollow body. Advantageously, this additional degree of adjustability in the port(s) allows for simulation of a greater range of oesophageal anatomies, e.g., those typical of different height or age demographics, e.g., adults, children, or infants. In the above embodiments of the training apparatus and methods of use thereof, the apparatus benefits from a degree of modularity owing to detachability of, e.g., portions of the elongate hollow body, and / or one or more of the respective mechanisms for adjusting the first and second orifices. Advantageously, this allows the training apparatus to be quickly and easily assembled, disassembled, stowed, and transported, and tends to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacture and delivery. Easy assembly and convenient use by healthcare practitioners also tends to be provided. In the above embodiments of the training apparatus and methods of use thereof, the cell collection device includes a sponge and a retrievable thread. In some embodiments, the sponge may be replaced or supplemented with any suitable cell collector, e.g., a balloon and / or brush. In embodiments in which the cell collection device includes a balloon, the training apparatus may also include, instead of or in addition to the wetting region, a balloon-expanding region for expanding the balloon prior to cell collection. In embodiments in which the cell collection device includes a brush, the wetting region may be used for wetting the brush prior to cell collection. Alternatively, a further wetting region may be provided for wetting the brush. In some embodiments, the retrievable thread may be replaced or supplemented with any device suitable for retrieving the cell collector from the oesophagus, e.g., a tube or rod. In the above embodiments of the training apparatus and methods of use thereof, the training apparatus is for training a user to deploy an oesophageal cell collection in the oesophagus of a human patient. In some embodiments, however, the training apparatus is, additionally or alternatively, suitable for training a user, in an analogous way, to deploy an endoscopic device in the oesophagus of a human patient. In some embodiments, the training apparatus is, additionally or alternatively, suitable for training a user, in an analogous way, to deploy a non-endoscopic device other than an oesophageal cell collection device in the oesophagus of a human patient. In some embodiments, the training apparatus may be connected to, or otherwise incorporate, a mouth modelling apparatus for simulating the anatomy of a mouth and / or head of a human patient. The simulation of the mouth and / or head, as well as the morphology of the human oesophagus, may allow healthcare practitioners to model, and thereby learn to recognise and optimise, one or more of the following during training: head tilt; head position; and tongue position. In some embodiments, the training apparatus may, additionally or alternatively, be connected to, or otherwise incorporate (e.g., as internal or external features implemented in the training apparatus), an oesophageal modelling apparatus for further simulating the anatomy of the oesophagus of the human patient beyond the morphologies of the upper and lower sphincters. The oesophageal modelling apparatus may include, for example, one or more of the following features: a plurality of tension points for simulating resistance or tug felt on the cell collection device during passage through the throat and / or stomach; a material selected to simulate a realistic haptic feedback during retrieval; bristles within the elongate hollow tube to simulate a realistic friction level during retrieval; one or more curves or other internal geometries of the elongate hollow tube to simulate a realistic friction level during retrieval. In some embodiments, the training apparatus may, additionally or alternatively, be connected to, or otherwise incorporate, a stomach modelling apparatus for simulating the anatomy of a stomach of the human patient. The simulation of the stomach may allow healthcare practitioners to train positioning the sponge within, and retrieving the sponge from, a patient's stomach. In embodiments which further incorporate a mouth modelling apparatus and / or an oesophageal modelling apparatus, the respective dimensions of the same may be selected to correspond with those of the average human mouth (and / or head) and oesophagus. In some embodiments of the training apparatus and methods of use thereof, including those which further incorporate a mouth modelling apparatus and / or an oesophageal modelling apparatus, the training apparatus is configured to be positioned on a chair to simulate an optimal or preferred angle for delivery of the test to the patient by a healthcare practitioner. In some embodiments of the training apparatus and methods of use thereof, a spray coating or other suitable marking is applied to either the cell collector or an interior surface of the elongate hollow body. This tends to provide the user of the training apparatus with a visual aid to indicate collection of oesophageal cells.

Claims

1. A training apparatus for training a user to deploy an oesophageal cell collection device in a human patient, the oesophageal cell collection device comprising a cell collector and a retrievable thread attached to the cell collector, the training apparatus comprising an elongate hollow body having a first port and a second port, wherein:each of the first port and the second port is disposed towards a respective opposite end of the elongate hollow body;the first port comprises a first orifice which is adjustable in a first physical parameter, for simulating the morphology of an upper human oesophageal sphincter; and, the second port comprises a second orifice which is adjustable in a second physical parameter, for simulating the morphology of a lower human oesophageal sphincter.

2. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first physical parameter and the second physical parameter are the same physical parameter.

3. The training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or both of the first physical parameter and the second physical parameter is a parameter selected from a group of parameters consisting of:a diameter of the respective orifice;a size of the respective orifice;a dimension of the respective orifice;a geometry of the respective orifice;a profile of the respective orifice;a rigidity of the respective orifice;a flexibility of the respective orifice;an elasticity of the respective orifice; and, a resilience of the respective orifice.

4. The training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second orifices are each adjustable such that the respective values of the first physical parameter and the second physical parameter differ.

5. The training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first physical parameter is a diameter of the first orifice and the second physical parameter is a diameter of the second orifice.

6. The training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate hollow body further comprises:a throat portion for receiving the cell collector; and,an oesophageal tract portion for passage therethrough of the cell collector.

7. The training apparatus of claim 6, wherein:the oesophageal tract portion extends between the first and second ports;the first tubular portion of the oesophageal tract portion is proximate the first port; and,the second tubular portion of the oesophageal tract portion is proximate the second port.

8. The training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein:the cell collector comprises a sponge, and the training apparatus optionally further comprises a wetting region for wetting the sponge; and / orthe cell collector comprises a balloon, and the training apparatus optionally further comprises a region for expanding the balloon; and / orthe cell collector comprises a brush, and the training apparatus optionally further comprises a wetting region for wetting the brush.

9. The training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the training apparatus is configured to adopt:a first configuration in which the first and second orifices are each adjusted in their respective physical parameters to simulate a morphology of a human oesophagus in a typical or normal state, the typical or normal state being a state indicative of one or more conditions of the human patient selected from a group of conditions consisting of: a healthy condition, a normal condition, a relaxed condition, and a routine condition; and / or,a second configuration in which the first and second orifices are each adjusted in their respective physical parameters to simulate a morphology of a human oesophagus in an atypical or abnormal state.

10. The training apparatus of claim 9, wherein:in the second configuration, the first and second orifices are adjusted in their respective physical parameters to exert, at each respective orifice, a greater resistance or tug on the oesophageal cell collection device than in the first configuration; and,the atypical or abnormal state is a state indicative of one or more conditions of the human patient selected from a group of conditions consisting of: a distressed condition, an anxious condition, a panicked condition, an excessive gagging condition, a diagnostically relevant condition, an extreme condition, and an emergency condition.

11. The training apparatus of claim 9, wherein:in the second configuration, the first and second orifices are adjusted in their respective physical parameters to exert, at each respective orifice, a lesser resistance or tug on the oesophageal cell collection device than in the first configuration; andthe atypical or abnormal state is a state indicative of a condition of the human patient selected from a group of conditions consisting of: a relaxed condition, an unconscious condition, a diagnostically relevant condition, an extreme condition, and an emergency condition.

12. The training apparatus of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the training apparatus is configured to adopt a third configuration in which the first and second orifices are adjusted in their respective physical parameters to exert, at each respective orifice, a lesser resistance or tug on the oesophageal cell collection device than in both the first and second configurations, the third configuration being one of:a configuration to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus an extreme state indicative of an extreme condition of the human patient;a non-clinical or training configuration to simulate the morphology of a human oesophagus in a state not indicative of a clinical or realistic morphology of a human oesophagus; or,a conference or out-of-use configuration in which the first and second orifices are adjusted in their respective physical parameters to exert, at each respective orifice, a resistance or tug on the oesophageal cell collection device substantially equal to that at one or more unconstricted regions of the elongate hollow body.

13. The training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or both of the first and second orifices is formed by a respective orifice-adjusting mechanism.

14. The training apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one respective orifice-adjusting mechanism is a rotating disc mechanism comprising a rotating disc having a rotation axis parallel to and offset from a longest axis of the elongate hollow body; andthe rotating disc comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures, the plurality of apertures being positioned such that rotation of the disc brings one aperture of the plurality of apertures into axial alignment with the longest axis of the elongate hollow body thereby to form the respective first or second orifice.

15. The training apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one respective orifice-adjusting mechanism is an iris mechanism comprising a diaphragm formed of plurality of overlapping leaves defining a central aperture, the diaphragm being configured to expand or contractby relative rotation of the overlapping leaves, thereby to increase or decrease a diameter of the central aperture.

16. The training apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one respective orifice-adjusting mechanism is a slide mechanism comprising a slide having a central aperture, the slide being configured to pass through radially opposed slots in the elongate hollow body such that the aperture is axially aligned with the longest axis of the elongate hollow body thereby to form the respective first or second orifice.

17. The training apparatus of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein:the elongate hollow body is provided with a slit along at least a part of its length;each orifice-adjusting mechanism is provided with a set of one or more further slits; and,the slit and each set of one or more further slits are configured such that alignment thereof forms a single slit along substantially the entire length of the elongate hollow body, thereby allowing the retrievable thread to pass directly into the elongate hollow body without being fed through an end of the elongate hollow body.

18. The training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate hollow body comprises a flexible tube forming at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice, the training apparatus further comprising:a constricting device for adjusting the respective parameter or respective parameters of the at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice; and / or,a re-enforcing device for adjusting the respective parameter or respective parameters of the at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice.

19. The training apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a mounting device for mounting the elongate hollow body in a generally upright configuration to simulate the orientation of an oesophagus in a human in an upright position.

20. A method for training a user to deploy an oesophageal cell collection device in a human patient using a training apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, the method comprising:deploying the cell collection device into the elongate hollow body;passing the cell collector, by movement of the retrievable thread, through the elongate hollow body in a direction from the second port towards the first port, through at least one of the first port and the second port.

21. The method of claim 20, comprising passing the cell collector, by movement of the retrievable thread, in a direction from the second port towards the first port through both the first port and the second port.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, further comprising adjusting the respective physical parameter of at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the training apparatus is in accordance with claim 9 or any claim dependent on claim 9, and the adjusting at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice in its respective physical parameter includes:adjusting the first and second orifices in their respective parameters to the first configuration simulating the morphology of a human oesophagus in a typical or normal state; or,adjusting the first and second orifices in their respective physical parameters to the second configuration simulating the morphology of a human oesophagus in an atypical or abnormal state.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the training apparatus is in accordance with claim 12 or any claim dependent on claim 12; and the adjusting at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice in its respective physical parameter includes adjusting the first and second orifices in their respective parameters to the third configuration.

25. The method of any of claims 20 to 24, further comprising unloading the cell collection device from the training apparatus, wherein either:the training apparatus is in accordance with claim 6, or any claim dependent on claim 6, and the unloading comprises withdrawing the retrievable thread from the elongate hollow body via the throat portion; or,the training apparatus is in accordance with claims 6 and 12, or any claim dependent on claims 6 and 12, and the unloading comprises adjusting the first and second orifices in their respective parameters to the conference or out-of-use configuration, and, thereafter, withdrawing the retrievable thread from the elongate hollow body via the throat portion; or,the training apparatus is in accordance with claim 16, or any claim dependent on claim 16, and the unloading comprises withdrawing the retrievable thread via the single slit.45

Images