Simulation device, system and related method with air capture for asthma simulation - Patents.com

Abstract

The present disclosure provides interactive educational systems, devices, components, and methods for teaching patient care. In some embodiments, the devices, systems, and associated methods include air capture technology for asthma simulation. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the system includes a patient simulator having a simulated body part, and an asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part, the asthma simulation module having a first simulated lung, a simulated trachea, an adjustable valve along a first air path between the first simulated lung, and an air capture module along a second air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 266,815, filed January 14, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an interactive education system for teaching patient care. It is desirable to train medical personnel in patient care procedures before allowing contact with real patients, but textbooks and flash cards lack the important benefits to students that come from hands-on practice. Meanwhile, having inexperienced students perform medical procedures on real patients is not considered a viable alternative due to the inherent risks to the patient. Due to these factors, patient care education has often been taught to perform patient care activities on simulators, such as mannequins, with medical instruments. Examples of such simulators are U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 952,559 (Publication No. 20080138778), U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 953,606 (Publication No. 20080131855), U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 952,636 (Publication No. 20080138779), U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 952,669 (Publication No. 20090148822), U.S. Patent Application No. No. 11 / 952,698 (Publication No. 20080138780), U.S. Patent No. 7,114,954, U.S. Patent No. 6,758,676, U.S. Patent No. 6,503,087, U.S. Patent No. 6,527,558, U.S. Patent No. 6,443,735, U.S. Patent No. 6,193,519, and U.S. Patent No. 5,853,292 are each incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

[0003] While these simulators have been adequate in many respects, they have not been adequate in all respects. Therefore, what is needed is an interactive educational system for use in conducting patient care training sessions that is more realistic and / or includes additional simulation capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the discussed technology. This summary is not an extensive overview of all envisioned features of the present disclosure, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the present disclosure, nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0005] The present disclosure provides interactive educational systems, devices, components, and methods for teaching patient care. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a system for teaching patient care is provided. The system includes a patient simulator having a patient body comprised of one or more simulated body parts. The one or more simulated body parts include a torso, a neck, and / or a head. An asthma simulation module may be disposed within the simulated body parts. The asthma simulation module may include a first simulated lung, an adjustable valve along a first air path between a simulated trachea and the first simulated lung, and an air capture module along a second air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung. In some cases, the air capture module may be configured to move between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the air capture module may allow air flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung, and / or may block air flow along the first air path from a cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea. In the second configuration, the air capture module can block the flow of air along the first air path from a cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea and / or can block the flow of air along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung.

[0006] In some embodiments, the air capture module includes a housing having a cavity, a first port in communication with the cavity, and a second port in communication with the cavity. The air capture module can also include a flapper coupled to the housing. The flapper can be configured to permit air flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung and to block air flow along the first air path from the cavity to the simulated trachea when the air capture module is in the first configuration. In some embodiments, the air capture module further includes a bellows disposed within the housing. The bellows can be movable between a deflated position associated with the first configuration and an inflated position associated with the second configuration. In some embodiments, the system further includes an air supply and at least one valve in communication with the air supply and the bellows. The at least one valve can be configured to connect the air supply to the bellows and to connect the bellows to atmosphere. The air source may include a compressor, compressed gas / air canister, and / or other source of gas / air. The at least one valve may have a single valve configured to connect the air source to the bellows in a first position and to connect the bellows to atmosphere in a second position. The at least one valve may consist of a first valve for connecting the air source to the bellows and a second valve for connecting the bellows to atmosphere. The system may also include at least one processor in communication with the air source and the at least one valve. The at least one processor may be configured to control the at least one valve to selectively move the bellows between a deflated position and an inflated position.

[0007] In an embodiment, the adjustable valve is configured to control the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung. In this regard, the adjustable valve may be configured to control the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung symmetrically and / or asymmetrically. For example, a symmetric air resistance results in the air path having equal or similar resistance during both inspiration and expiration. On the other hand, an asymmetric air resistance may result in different air resistance during inspiration and expiration (e.g., less during inspiration than expiration, or vice versa).

[0008] In some embodiments, the asthma simulation module further comprises a second simulated lung. In this regard, the first and second simulated lungs can rely on a common adjustable valve and / or a common air capture module to simulate asthma breathing patterns. For example, the adjustable valve may be disposed along a third air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung, and the air capture module may be disposed along a fourth air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung. In some embodiments, the system may include an independent asthma simulation module for each of the first and second simulated lungs. Thus, in some embodiments, the system further includes a second asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part. The second asthma simulation module may include the second simulated lung, the second adjustable valve along a third air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung, and the second air capture module along a fourth air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung.

[0009] The simulated body part may include a simulated torso. The asthma simulation module may be disposed within the simulated torso. The simulated body part may also include a simulated neck coupled to the simulated torso. The simulated trachea may be disposed within the simulated neck. In this regard, if the patient simulator includes two asthma simulation modules, each asthma simulation module may communicate with a common trachea. In an embodiment, the patient simulator is configured to interface with an external ventilator. The external ventilator may include any type of commercially available ventilator, including, but not limited to, a bag-valve mask, as well as computerized or automated ventilators. In this regard, the external ventilator may be configured to detect asthma breathing patterns in addition to providing other respiratory functions to the patient simulator.

[0010] In some aspects of the disclosure, a method of teaching patient care is provided, the method including providing the patient simulator having the simulated body part and the asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part, the asthma simulation module including the first simulated lung, the adjustable valve along the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung, and the air capture module along the second air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung, and simulating an asthma breathing pattern using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator.

[0011] In some embodiments, simulating an asthmatic breathing pattern includes moving air along the second air path between the trachea and the first simulated lung during inspiration and moving air along the first air path between the first simulated lung and the trachea during expiration. Air resistance along the first air path during expiration may be greater than air resistance along the second air path during inspiration. In some aspects, moving air along the first air path between the first simulated lung and the trachea during expiration includes trapping air in the cavity of the air capture module. In this regard, trapping air in the cavity of the air capture module may include blocking a port of the air capture module with a flapper. In some embodiments, moving air along the second air path between the trachea and the first simulated lung during inspiration may include displacing the flapper relative to the port of the air capture module. Displacing the flapper may include displacing the flapper with air moving along the second air path.

[0012] In some embodiments, simulating an asthmatic breathing pattern includes moving the air capture module between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the air capture module allows air to flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung. In the second configuration, the air capture module blocks air from flowing along the first air path from a cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea. Moving the air capture module between the first configuration and the second configuration may include selectively inflating and deflating a bellows. In this regard, a deflating position of the bellows may be associated with the first configuration, while an inflated position of the bellows may be associated with the second configuration. Selectively inflating and deflating the bellows may include controlling at least one valve in communication with an air supply and the bellows. The at least one valve may be configured to connect an air supply to the bellows to inflate the bellows and to connect the bellows to atmosphere to deflate the bellows.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method also includes controlling an air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung with an adjustable valve. The air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung may be controlled with the adjustable valve to provide symmetric and / or asymmetric air resistance between inspiration and expiration.

[0014] In some embodiments, the asthma simulation module further comprises a second simulated lung. Simulating an asthma breathing pattern using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator may include simulating the asthma breathing pattern using the first simulated lung, the second simulated lung, and / or a combination of the first and second simulated lungs. In this regard, in some embodiments, the method includes independently controlling one or more parameters of the asthma breathing pattern for each of the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung. In some embodiments, the method includes jointly controlling one or more parameters of the asthma breathing pattern for both the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method includes coupling an external respiratory device to the patient simulator, the external respiratory device being configured to detect the asthma breathing pattern in addition to providing other respiratory functions to the patient simulator.

[0016] Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Although features of the present invention may be discussed in conjunction with specific examples and figures below, all aspects of the present invention may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although one or more arrangements may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the present invention discussed herein. Similarly, although exemplary aspects may be discussed below in the context of an apparatus, system, or method, it should be understood that such exemplary aspects may be implemented in a variety of apparatus, systems, and methods. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient simulator incorporating aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic diagram of a portion of the patient simulator of FIG. 1 including an asthma simulation module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective schematic diagram of an air capture module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective schematic diagram of an air capture module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a perspective schematic diagram of an air capture module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective schematic diagram of an asthma simulation module during inspiration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a perspective schematic diagram of an asthma simulation module during inspiration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a perspective schematic diagram of an asthma simulation module during inspiration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a perspective schematic diagram of an asthma simulation module during inspiration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective schematic diagram of an asthma simulation module during inspiration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] For the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. Nevertheless, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is intended. Any changes and further modifications in the described apparatus, instruments, methods, and further applications of the principles of the present disclosure described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. In particular, it is fully contemplated that features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. However, for the sake of brevity, multiple iterations of these combinations will not be described separately. For the sake of brevity, in some cases, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0019] 1, a patient simulator 100 according to the present disclosure may include a simulated head 105, a simulated neck 110, a simulated torso 115, a simulated right arm 120 (or "limb"), a simulated left arm 125 (or "limb"), a simulated right leg 130 (or "limb"), and a simulated left leg 135 (or "limb"). In some embodiments, the patient simulator is, includes, or is part of a mannequin. The simulated head 105 is coupled to the simulated neck 110, e.g., the simulated head 105 may be releasably coupled to and / or integrally formed with the simulated neck 110. The simulated neck 110 may be releasably coupled to and / or integrally formed with the simulated torso 115. The simulated right arm 120 includes a simulated right arm 145 (or "limb") and a simulated right lower arm 150 (or "limb"). The simulated right arm 145 may be releasably coupled and / or integrally formed with the simulated torso 115. The simulated right lower arm 150 may be releasably coupled and / or integrally formed with the simulated right arm 145. In some embodiments, the simulated right lower arm 150 is coupled to the simulated right arm 145 via a right arm coupling 155. Similarly, the simulated left arm 125 includes a simulated left upper arm 160 (or "limb") and a simulated left lower arm 165 (or "limb"). The simulated left upper arm 160 may be releasably coupled and / or integrally formed with the simulated torso 115. The simulated left lower arm 165 may be releasably coupled and / or integrally formed with the simulated left upper arm 160. In some embodiments, the simulated left lower arm 165 is coupled to the simulated left upper arm 160 via a left arm coupling 170 .

[0020] The simulated right leg 130 includes a simulated upper right leg 175 (or "limb") and a simulated lower right leg 180 (or "extremity"). The simulated upper right leg 175 may be releasably coupled to and / or integrally formed with the simulated torso 115. The simulated lower right leg 180 may be releasably coupled to and / or integrally formed with the simulated upper right thigh 175. In one embodiment, the simulated lower right leg 180 is coupled to the simulated upper right leg 175 via a right leg coupling 185. Similarly, the simulated left leg 135 includes a simulated upper left leg 190 (or "limb") and a simulated lower left leg 195 (or "extremity"). The simulated upper left leg 190 may be releasably coupled to and / or integrally formed with the simulated torso 115. The simulated left lower leg 195 may be releasably coupled to and / or integrally formed with the simulated left upper leg 190. In one embodiment, the simulated left lower leg 195 is coupled to the simulated left upper leg 190 via a left leg connector 200.

[0021] The patient simulator 100 may include one or more of an asthma simulation module 202, a compressor 204, a control unit 206, and / or a power supply 208. In some embodiments, the compressor 204, the control unit 206, and / or the power supply 208 may be components of the asthma simulation module 202. In some embodiments, the asthma simulation module 202 of the patient simulator 100 may be configured to generate simulated breathing patterns and / or one or more breathing parameters for the patient simulator 100, including those associated with asthmatic breathing as well as those associated with normal breathing. Asthmatic breathing includes both natural asthmatic events as well as auto-positive end expiratory pressures (auto-PEEP) typical of patients connected to an external ventilator. It is therefore understood that the asthma simulation module 202 and / or other aspects of the present disclosure are suitable for simulating asthmatic, auto-PEEP, and / or other breathing patterns in which airflow does not return to zero at the end of expiration or exhalation, whether naturally or through the use of an external ventilator. In this regard, the asthma simulation module 202 can be configured to simulate the mechanics of a natural lung associated with connecting a natural lung to an external ventilator. As a general matter, lung compliance is a measure of the change in volume of air with respect to a change in applied pressure. A lung that is too stretchy (too flexible) is said to be a high-compliance lung, and a lung that is too stretchy (too stiff) is said to be a low-compliance lung. The asthma simulation module 202 can simulate normal, high-compliance, and low-compliance lungs. In this regard, the asthma simulation module 202 can increase and / or decrease the volumetric capacity of one or more simulated lungs to replicate the compliance of a natural lung.In this regard, the asthma simulation module 202 may include one or more aspects of the lung compliance system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 930,178 (now U.S. Patent No. 9,687,750), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all applicable purposes.

[0022] As described in more detail below, the asthma simulation module 202 may be configured to interface with an external ventilator 211 to simulate respiratory parameters associated with the patient simulator 100, including asthma breathing patterns. The external ventilator 211 may include any type of commercially available ventilator, such as, but not limited to, a bag-valve mask or a computerized or automated ventilator. In this regard, the external ventilator may be configured to detect the asthma breathing patterns in addition to providing other respiratory functions to the patient simulator. Other features and aspects of the asthma simulation module 202 and the interaction between the patient simulator 100 and the external ventilator 211 are described below in the context of Figures 2-5B.

[0023] The compressor 204 may be adapted to supply air pressure to various features / components of the patient simulator 100, including components of the asthma simulation module 202. Such features / components supplied with air pressure by the compressor 204 may include the simulated torso 115, the simulated head 105, the simulated right arm 120, the simulated left arm 125, the simulated right leg 130, and / or the simulated left leg 135. In some embodiments, the compressor 204 is a scroll compressor.

[0024] The control unit 206 may be adapted to control aspects and / or components of the asthma simulation module 202, the compressor 204, and / or various other features / components of the patient simulator 100, which may be included in the simulated torso 115, the simulated head 105, the simulated right arm 120, the simulated left arm 125, the simulated right leg 130, and / or the simulated left leg 135. In some embodiments, the control unit 206 is configured to control aspects and / or components of the asthma simulation module 202, the compressor 204, and / or various other features / components of the patient simulator 100 based on input from a controller 209 in communication with the patient simulator 100. The controller 209 may be in wireless (RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optical, etc.) and / or wired communication with the patient simulator 100. In this regard, the patient simulator 100 may be configured to simulate one or more parameters in response to settings and / or programming of the controller 209. In this regard, the one or more parameters may be based on user input, a simulation profile, and / or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the simulated breathing pattern and / or one or more breathing parameters of the patient simulator 100 may be set by a user, a simulation profile defined by or executed on the controller 209, and / or a combination thereof. In this regard, the controller 209 may include a number of pre-programmed and / or custom simulation profiles, each configured to set the breathing pattern and / or one or more breathing parameters of the patient simulator 100 (along with other parameters) over time. The simulation profile may vary the breathing pattern and / or one or more breathing parameters of the patient simulator 100 over time according to a simulated medical scenario.In some embodiments, the simulation profile can adjust aspects of the breathing pattern and / or one or more respiratory parameters of the patient simulator 100 over time based at least in part on actions and / or interventions taken by a user to treat the patient simulator.

[0025] The power supply 208 may be adapted to provide power to the asthma simulation module 202, the compressor 204, the control unit 206, and / or various other functions / components of the patient simulator 100, which may be included in the simulated torso 115, the simulated head 105, the simulated right arm 120, the simulated left arm 125, the simulated right leg 130, and / or the simulated left leg 135. The power supply 208 may include one or more batteries, capacitors, and / or other power storage components. The power supply 208 may also include one or more controllers, processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), amplifiers, switches, and / or other components configured to control the distribution of power to various components of the patient simulator.

[0026] It is understood that the illustrated embodiment of the patient simulator 100 is sized and shaped to represent a patient receiving treatment. In that regard, the patient simulator may take a variety of forms, including mannequins sized and shaped to represent male or female patients of any size, age, and / or health condition, ranging from a premature fetus to a full-sized adult. Furthermore, the patient simulator may include only a portion (e.g., a particular body part or combination of body parts) of a simulated patient. Thus, while aspects of the present disclosure are described with respect to a particular embodiment of a patient simulator, no limitation thereto is intended. It is understood that features of the present disclosure may be incorporated into or utilized with any suitable patient simulator. No. 11 / 952,669 (Publication No. 20090148822), U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 952,698 (Publication No. 20080138780), U.S. Patent No. 7,114,954, U.S. Patent No. 6,758,676, U.S. Patent No. 6,503,087, U.S. Patent No. 6,503,087, U.S. Patent No. 6,527,558, U.S. Patent No. 6,443,735, U.S. Patent No. 6,193,519, and U.S. Patent No. 5,853,292 are each incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, therein is shown an additional embodiment of the patient simulator 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic diagram of a portion of the patient simulator 100 interfacing with an external ventilator 211 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the portion of the patient simulator 100 includes components of the asthma simulation module 202. In some embodiments, one or more components of the asthma simulation module 202 are located within the head 105, the neck 110, and / or the torso 115 of the patient simulator 100. However, one or more components of the asthma simulation module 202 may be located within other portions of the patient simulator 100. In some cases, the external ventilator 211 interfaces with an external orifice of the patient simulator 100, such as a simulated mouth and / or a simulated nose. In such cases, the interface or connection of the external ventilator 211 with an external orifice mimics the interface or connection of the external ventilator with a natural patient. In this regard, the external orifice may be in communication with the simulated trachea / airway 234 of the patient simulator 100 .

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the asthma simulation module 202 may include a simulated right lung 210a and a simulated left lung 210b. In some examples, the asthma simulation module 202 may include an independent asthma simulation module or system for each of the simulated right lung 210a and the simulated left lung 210b. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the components of the asthma simulation module 202 having the suffix "a" may be associated with controlling breathing patterns and / or breathing parameters associated with the simulated right lung 210a, and the components of the asthma simulation module 202 having the suffix "b" may be associated with controlling breathing patterns and / or breathing parameters associated with the simulated left lung 210b. In this regard, the breathing patterns and / or breathing parameters of the simulated right lung 210a and the simulated left lung 210b may be controlled independently and / or jointly.

[0029] 2, the asthma simulation module 202 may include the simulated right lung 210a, the simulated left lung 210b, an adjustable valve 215a, an adjustable valve 215b, an air capture module 220a, an air capture module 220b, a valve 225a, and a valve 225b. The adjustable valve 215a may be in communication with the simulated trachea / airway 234 of the patient simulator 100 via an air path 230a and an air path 232a. The adjustable valve 215a may be in communication with the simulated right lung 210a via an air path 235a. The adjustable valve 215b may be in communication with the simulated trachea / airway 234 of the patient simulator 100 via the air path 230b and the air path 232b. The adjustable valve 215b may be in communication with the simulated left lung 210b via the air path 235b. In one embodiment, the adjustable valves 215a, 215b are configured to control the air resistance of the air path between the simulated trachea / airway 234 and the simulated right lung 210a or the simulated left lung 210b, respectively. In this regard, the adjustable valves 215a, 215b may be configured to symmetrically and / or asymmetrically control the air resistance along the air path between the simulated trachea / airway 234 and the simulated right lung 210a or the simulated left lung 210b. For example, symmetric air resistance results in the air path having equal or similar resistance during both inspiration and expiration. On the other hand, asymmetric air resistance may result in the air path having different resistance during inspiration and expiration (e.g., less during inspiration than expiration, or vice versa).

[0030] The air capture module 220a may be in communication with the simulated trachea / airway 234 of the patient simulator 100 via air path 240a and air path 232a. The air capture module 220a may be in communication with the simulated right lung 210a via air path 245a and air path 235a. The air capture module 220b may be in communication with the simulated trachea / airway 234 of the patient simulator 100 via air path 240b and air path 232b. The air capture module 220b may be in communication with the simulated left lung 210b via air path 245b and air path 235a.

[0031] In some examples, the air capture modules 220a, 220b may be configured to move between a first configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B) and a second configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 3C, 5A, and 5B). In the first configuration, the air capture modules 220a, 220b may permit air flow from the simulated trachea / airway 234 to the simulated right lung 210a or the simulated left lung 210b, respectively, while preventing air flow from the simulated right lung 210a or the simulated left lung 210b to the simulated trachea / airway 234 through the air capture modules 220a, 220b. Thus, in the first configuration, the air capture modules 220a, 220b can allow air to flow along a first air path from the simulated trachea / airway 234 to the simulated right lung 210a or the simulated left lung 210b and / or can prevent air from flowing along a first air path from the air capture modules 220a, 220b to the simulated trachea / airway 234. In the second configuration, the air capture modules 220a, 220b can prevent air from flowing in any direction through the air capture modules 220a, 220b. Thus, in the second configuration, the air capture modules 220a, 220b can block the flow of air along a first air path from the cavity of the air capture modules 220a, 220b to the simulated trachea / airway 234 and / or can block the flow of air along a first air path from the simulated trachea / airway 234 to the simulated right lung 210a or the simulated left lung 210b.

[0032] The valves 225a, 225b may be in communication with an air source (e.g., a compressor, compressed gas / air canister, or other source of gas / air). In this regard, the valves 225a, 225b may be connected to a common air source (e.g., the compressor 204). In some cases, the valves 225a, 225b may be connected to separate air sources. As will be further discussed with respect to FIGS. 3A-5B, in some embodiments, the valves 225a, 225b may be utilized to control the transition between the first and second configurations of the air capture modules 220a, 220b. As discussed above, the breathing patterns and / or breathing parameters of the simulated right and left lungs 210a, 210b may be controlled independently and / or jointly. In some embodiments, where the breathing patterns and / or respiratory parameters of the simulated right and left lungs 210a, 210b are jointly controlled, one or more components of the asthma simulation module 202 may be coupled to and / or in pneumatic communication with both the simulated right and left lungs 210a, 210b. For example, in some embodiments, a single adjustable valve, a single air capture module, and / or a single valve may be used to control the breathing patterns and / or respiratory parameters of both the right and left lungs 210a, 210b (e.g., the simulated right lung 210a may be coupled to the air path 235b such that the adjustable valve 215b, the air capture module 220b, and the valve 225b may be used to control the breathing patterns and / or respiratory parameters of the simulated right lung 210a in addition to the simulated left lung 210a).

[0033] 3A-3C, additional aspects of the asthma simulation module 202 related to the air capture modules 220a, 220b and the valves 225a, 225b will be described. In this regard, FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate the air capture module 220b and the valve 225b. However, it will be understood that the air capture module 220a and the valve 225a may have similar and / or identical features. As shown in FIG. 3A, the air capture module 220b includes a housing 248b having the cavity 250b, a port 255b, and a port 260b. The port 255b may be in communication with the cavity 255b. The port 260b may be in communication with the cavity 250b. The air capture module 220b may also include a flapper 270b coupled to the housing 248b. Flapper 270b may be coupled to the housing 248b using any suitable technique, including mechanical coupling, adhesive, and / or combinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the flapper 270b is coupled to the housing 248b via a mechanical coupling (e.g., pins, nails, screws, bolts, etc.). The flapper 270b may be configured to permit air flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea / airway 234 to the simulated left lung 210b (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A and 4A) and to prevent air flow along the first air path from the cavity 250b to the simulated trachea / airway 234 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3B and 4B) when the air capture module is in the first configuration.

[0034] In some embodiments, the air capture module 220b further comprises the bellows 265b disposed within the housing 248b. The bellows 265b may be movable between a contracted position associated with the first configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B) and an inflated position associated with the second configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 3C, 5A, and 5B). In some embodiments, the patient simulator 100 and / or the asthma simulation module 202 further comprises an air supply (e.g., compressor 204) and at least one valve (e.g., valve 225b) in communication with the air supply and the bellows 265b. The valve 225b may be configured to connect an air supply to the bellows 265b and to connect the bellows 265b to the atmosphere. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the valve 225b may include a port 280b, a port 285b, and a port 290b. The port 280b may connect the valve 225b to the bellows 265b. The port 285b may connect the valve 225b to the atmosphere inside or outside the patient simulator 100. The port 290b may connect the valve to the air supply. By selectively connecting the port 280b to either the port 285b or the port 290b, the valve 225b can selectively deflate and inflate the bellows 265b. For example, when the port 280b is connected to the port 285b (see, for example, Figures 3A and 3B), air in the bellows 265b is released to the atmosphere. As a result, the bellows 265b is deflated to the first configuration, as shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B. On the other hand, when the port 280b is connected to the port 290b (see, for example, Figure 3C), air from the air supply flows into the bellows 265b. As a result, the bellows expands to the second configuration as shown in Figures 3C, 5A, and 5B.By controlling the position of the valve 225b to connect a desired port (e.g., port 280b to port 285b or port 280b to port 290b), a single valve 225b may be configured to connect the air supply to the bellows in the first position and connect the bellows to atmosphere in the second position. In some embodiments, instead of a single valve, multiple valves are utilized to achieve a similar function. For example, a first valve is used to connect the air supply to the bellows 265b and the second valve is used to connect the bellows 265b to atmosphere. In some embodiments, a processor in communication with the air supply and / or valve 225b is configured to control the valve 225b to selectively move the bellows 265b between a deflated position and an inflated position. In this manner, the processor can control the configuration of the air capture module 220b. In some embodiments, the bellows 265b may be replaced with a mechanical component (e.g., a piston) driven pneumatically, by an electric motor, and / or by other actuators to selectively contact and / or block the flapper 270b to prevent displacement of the flapper 270b during inspiration, as described below.

[0035] In some embodiments, the asthma simulation module 202 may include one or more connectors, adapters, ports, tubes, and / or other couplings to facilitate pneumatic connections between the simulated right lung 210a, the simulated left lung 210b, the adjustable valve 215a, the adjustable valve 215b, the air capture module 220a, the air capture module 220b, the valve 225a, the valve 225b, the bellows 265a, the bellows 265b, the air supply (e.g., compressor 204), and / or the external ventilator 211. Generally speaking, any suitable connectors, adapters, ports, tubes, and / or other couplings may be utilized.

[0036] 3A, when the air capture module 220b is in the first configuration (e.g., with the bellows 265b deflated), air can flow into the port 255b (see arrow 300), into the cavity 250b by displacing the flapper 270b, through the cavity 250b (see arrow 305), and out through the port 260b (see arrow 310). In one embodiment, the air flow along arrows 300, 305, and 310 may be associated with inspiration into the simulated left lung 210b when the air capture module 220b is in the first configuration.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3B, when the air capture module 220b is in the first configuration (e.g., with the bellows 265b deflated), air may flow into the port 260b (see arrow 315), but the air is then trapped within the cavity 250b of the air capture module 220b. At this point, the flapper 270b may cover and / or block the port 255b. As a result, air cannot flow through the port 255b, as indicated by the crossed through arrows 320. In some embodiments, the flow of air along arrow 315 and / or the trapping of air within the air capture module 220b may be associated with exhalation from the simulated left lung 210b when the air capture module 220b is in the first configuration. In this regard, in some embodiments, the air capture module 220b may be disposed in the first configuration to simulate an asthmatic breathing pattern.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3C, when the air capture module 220b is in the second configuration (e.g., with the bellows 265b inflated), air cannot flow into or out of the port 255b. In this regard, the flapper 270b can cover and / or block the port 255b, and the bellows 265b prevents the displacement of the flapper 270b. As a result, air cannot flow between the port 255b and the cavity 250b in either direction, as indicated by the crossed through arrows 320. In some embodiments, the air capture module 220b may be disposed in the second configuration to request air to flow through the adjustable valve 215b during inspiration and / or expiration. In this regard, in some embodiments, the air capture module 220b may be disposed in the second configuration to simulate a normal (non-asthmatic) breathing pattern. For example, by bypassing the air capture module 220b during inhalation and exhalation, the air path between the simulated trachea / airway 234 and the simulated left lung 210b can have equal or nearly equal resistance during both inhalation and exhalation consistent with non-asthmatic breathing.

[0039] 4A and 4B, airflow associated with inhalation (FIG. 4A) and exhalation (FIG. 4B) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In this regard, FIGS. 4A and 4B show airflow associated with inhalation and exhalation when the asthma simulation module 202 is in the first configuration (e.g., the air capture module is active). As shown in FIG. 4A, during inhalation, air can flow along air path 232b (see arrow 400), along air path 240b (see arrow 405), through the air capture module 220b (see arrow 410), along air path 245b (see arrow 415), and along air path 235b (see arrow 420) to the simulated left lung 210b. As shown in Figure 4B, during exhalation, air may flow along air path 235b (see arrow 425), through the adjustable valve 215b, and along air paths 230b and 232b (see arrow 430) to the simulated trachea / airway 234. In this regard, during exhalation, some air from the simulated left lung 210b may flow into the air capture module 220b, but is captured by the air capture module 220b. When the resistance along the path to the air capture module 220b meets or exceeds the resistance of the adjustable valve 215b, the remainder of the air from the simulated lung 210b travels along the air paths shown in Figure 4B. The combination of a relatively free flow of air into the simulated left lung 210b during inspiration (as shown in FIG. 4A) and a restricted flow of air out of the simulated left lung 210b and through the adjustable valve 215b during expiration (as shown in FIG. 4B) may be utilized to simulate one or more of the asthmatic breathing patterns in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0040] 5A and 5B, airflow associated with inspiration (FIG. 5A) and expiration (FIG. 5B) is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate airflow associated with inspiration and expiration when the asthma simulation module 202 is in the second configuration (e.g., the air capture module is inactive or disabled). As shown in FIG. 5A, during inspiration, air may flow along air paths 232b and 230b (see arrow 500), through the adjustable valve 215b (see arrow 410), and along air path 235b (see arrow 505) to the simulated left lung 210b. As shown in Figure 5B, during exhalation, air may flow in the reverse direction of Figure 5A, i.e., along air path 235b (see arrow 510), through the adjustable valve 215b, and along air paths 230b and 232b (see arrow 515) to the simulated trachea / airway 234. In this regard, by bypassing the air capture module 220b during both inhalation and exhalation, the air path between the simulated trachea / airway 234 and the simulated left lung 210b may have equal or nearly equal resistance during both inhalation and exhalation. Thus, the configurations of Figures 5A and 5B may be utilized to simulate one or more non-asthmatic breathing patterns in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of teaching patient care is provided. The method may utilize the patient simulator 100 and associated components described above with respect to Figures 1-5C. The method may include providing the patient simulator having a simulated body part and an asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part, the asthma simulation module including a first simulated lung, an adjustable valve along a first air path between a simulated trachea and the first simulated lung, and an air capture module along a second air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung, and simulating the asthma breathing pattern using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator.

[0042] In some embodiments, simulating an asthmatic breathing pattern includes moving air along the second air path between the trachea and the first simulated lung during inspiration and moving air along the first air path between the first simulated lung and the trachea during expiration. Air resistance along the first air path during expiration may be greater than air resistance along the second air path during inspiration. In some aspects, moving air along the first air path between the first simulated lung and the trachea during expiration includes trapping air in the cavity of the air capture module. In this regard, trapping air in the cavity of the air capture module may include blocking a port of the air capture module with a flapper. In some embodiments, moving air along the second air path between the trachea and the first simulated lung during inspiration may include displacing the flapper relative to the port of the air capture module. Displacing the flapper may include displacing the flapper with air moving along the second air path.

[0043] In some embodiments, simulating the asthmatic breathing pattern includes moving the air capture module between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the air capture module allows air to flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung. In the second configuration, the air capture module blocks air from flowing along the first air path from a cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea. Moving the air capture module between the first configuration and the second configuration may include selectively inflating and deflating a bellows. In this regard, a deflating position of the bellows may be associated with the first configuration, while an inflated position of the bellows may be associated with the second configuration. Selectively inflating and deflating the bellows may include controlling at least one valve in communication with an air source and the bellows. The at least one valve may be configured to connect the air source to the bellows to inflate the bellows and to connect the bellows to atmosphere to deflate the bellows.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method also includes controlling an air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung with the adjustable valve. The air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung may be controlled with the adjustable valve to provide symmetric and / or asymmetric air resistance between inhalation and exhalation.

[0045] In some embodiments, the asthma simulation module further comprises a second simulated lung. Simulating the asthma breathing pattern using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator may include simulating the asthma breathing pattern using the first simulated lung, the second simulated lung, and / or a combination of the first and second simulated lungs. In this regard, in certain embodiments, the method includes independently controlling one or more parameters of the asthma breathing pattern for each of the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung. In some embodiments, the method includes jointly controlling one or more parameters of the asthma breathing pattern for both the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method includes coupling an external respiratory device to the patient simulator, the external respiratory device being configured to detect the asthma breathing pattern in addition to providing other respiratory functions to the patient simulator.

[0047] In some aspects of the disclosure, a system for teaching patient care is provided. The system may include a patient simulator having a patient body with one or more simulated body parts. The one or more simulated body parts may include a torso, a neck, and / or a head. An asthma simulation module may be disposed within the simulated body parts. The asthma simulation module may include a first simulated lung, an adjustable valve along a first air path between a simulated trachea and a second simulated lung, and an air capture module along a second air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung. In some cases, the air capture module may be configured to move between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the air capture module may allow air flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung and / or may block air flow along the first air path from the cavity of the air capture module to the first simulated lung. In the second configuration, the air capture module can block the flow of air along the first air path from the cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea and / or block the flow of air along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung.

[0048] In some embodiments, the air capture module includes a housing having a cavity, a first port in communication with the cavity, and a second port in communication with the cavity. The air capture module may also include a flapper coupled to the housing. The flapper may be configured to permit air flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung and to prevent air flow along the first air path from the cavity to the first simulated lung when the air capture module is in the first configuration. In some embodiments, the air capture module further includes a bellows disposed within the housing. The bellows may be movable between a deflated position associated with the first configuration and an inflated position associated with the second configuration. In some embodiments, the system further includes an air source and at least one valve in communication with the air source and the bellows. The at least one valve may be configured to connect the air source to the bellows and to connect the bellows to atmosphere. The air source may include a compressor, compressed gas / air canister, and / or other source of gas / air. The at least one valve may have a single valve configured to connect the air source to the bellows in a first position and to connect the bellows to atmosphere in a second position. The at least one valve may have a first valve for connecting the air source to the bellows and a second valve for connecting the bellows to atmosphere. The system may also include at least one processor in communication with the air source and the at least one valve. The at least one processor may be configured to control the at least one valve to selectively move the bellows between a contracted position and an inflated position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the adjustable valve is configured to control the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung. In this regard, the adjustable valve may be configured to control the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung symmetrically and / or asymmetrically. For example, a symmetric air resistance results in the air path having equal or similar resistance during both inspiration and expiration. On the other hand, an asymmetric air resistance may result in the air resistance being different during inspiration and expiration (e.g., less during inspiration than expiration, or vice versa).

[0050] In some embodiments, the asthma simulation module further comprises a second simulated lung. In this regard, the first and second simulated lungs can rely on a common adjustable valve and / or a common air capture module to simulate the asthma breathing pattern. For example, the adjustable valve may be disposed along a third air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung, and the air capture module may be disposed along a fourth air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung. In some embodiments, the system may include an independent asthma simulation module for each of the first and second simulated lungs. Thus, in some embodiments, the system further comprises a second asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part. The second asthma simulation module may include a second simulated lung, a second adjustable valve along a third air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung, and a second air capture module along a fourth air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung.

[0051] The simulated body part may include a simulated torso. The asthma simulation module may be disposed within the simulated torso. The simulated body part may also include a simulated neck coupled to the simulated torso. The simulated trachea may be disposed within the simulated neck. In this regard, if the patient simulator includes two asthma simulation modules, each asthma simulation module may be in communication with a common trachea. In some embodiments, the patient simulator is configured to interface with an external ventilator. The external ventilator may include any type of commercially available ventilator, such as, but not limited to, a bag-valve mask or a computerized or automated ventilator. In this regard, the external ventilator may be configured to detect the asthma breathing pattern in addition to providing other respiratory functions to the patient simulator.

[0052] Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure, and in some cases, some features of the disclosure may be employed without the corresponding use of other features. It is understood that such variations can be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be broadly construed in a manner consistent with the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: a patient simulator having a simulated body part; an asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part, A first simulated lung; an adjustable valve along a first air pathway between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung; an air capture module along a second air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung; The asthma simulation module, The system has:

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the air capture module is configured to move between a first configuration and a second configuration; In the first configuration, the air capture module is configured to permit air to flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung; The system, wherein in the second configuration, the air capture module is configured to block air flow along the first air path from a cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, in the first configuration, the air capture module is configured to block air flow along the first air path from the cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea; The system, wherein in the second configuration, the air capture module is configured to block the flow of air along the first airpath from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the air capture module comprises: a housing having the cavity, a first port in communication with the cavity, and a second port in communication with the cavity; a flapper coupled to the housing, the flapper configured to permit air flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung and to prevent air flow along the first air path from the cavity to the simulated trachea when the air capture module is in the first configuration; The system has:

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the air capture module further comprises: the system comprising a bellows disposed within the housing, the bellows movable between a contracted position associated with the first configuration and an expanded position associated with the second configuration.

6. The system of claim 5 further comprising: An air supply; at least one valve in communication with the air source and the bellows, the at least one valve configured to connect the air source to the bellows and to connect the bellows to atmosphere; The system has the following features:

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the air source comprises a compressor.

8. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one valve comprises a single valve configured to connect the air source to the bellows in a first position and to connect the bellows to atmosphere in a second position.

9. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one valve comprises a first valve for connecting the air source to the bellows and a second valve for connecting the bellows to atmosphere.

10. 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising: a system having at least one processor in communication with the air source and the at least one valve, the at least one processor configured to control the at least one valve to selectively move the bellows between the contracted position and the inflated position.

11. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable valve is configured to control air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the adjustable valve is configured to symmetrically control the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung.

13. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the adjustable valve is configured to asymmetrically control the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung.

14. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the asthma simulation module further comprises: a second simulated lung; the adjustable valve is disposed along a third air pathway between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung; The air capture module is disposed along a fourth air pathway between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung.

15. 10. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a second asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part, a second simulated lung; a second adjustable valve along a third air pathway between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung; a second air capture module along a fourth air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung; Including, The system further comprises the second asthma simulation module.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the simulated body part comprises a simulated torso.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the asthma simulation module is disposed within the simulated torso.

18. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the simulated body portion includes a simulated neck coupled to the simulated torso, and the simulated trachea is disposed within the simulated neck.

19. 1. A method comprising: providing a patient simulator having a simulated body part and an asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part, the asthma simulation module including a first simulated lung, an adjustable valve along a first air path between a simulated trachea and the first simulated lung, and an air capture module along a second air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung; simulating the breathing pattern of an asthma patient using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator; The method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein simulating the asthmatic breathing pattern comprises: causing air to move between the trachea and the first simulated lung along the second air path during inspiration; causing air to move along the first air path between the first simulated lung and the trachea during expiration; The method comprising:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein air resistance along the first air path during exhalation is greater than air resistance along the second air path during inhalation.

22. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein causing air to travel along the first air path between the first simulated lung and the trachea during exhalation comprises capturing air in a cavity of the air capture module.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein trapping air within the cavity of the air capture module comprises blocking a port of the air capture module with a flapper.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein causing air to move along the second air path between the trachea and the first simulated lung during inspiration comprises displacing the flapper relative to the port of the air capture module.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein displacing the flapper comprises displacing the flapper with the air moving along the second air path.

26. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein simulating the asthmatic breathing pattern comprises: moving the air capture module between a first configuration and a second configuration; In the first configuration, the air capture module permits air to flow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung; In the second configuration, the air capture module blocks air flow along the first air path from a cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein moving the air capture module between the first configuration and the second configuration comprises: The method includes selectively expanding and contracting a bellows between a contracted position associated with the first configuration and an expanded position associated with the second configuration.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of selectively expanding and contracting the bellows comprises:

11. A method comprising: controlling at least one valve communicating an air source with the bellows, the at least one valve being configured to connect the air source to the bellows to inflate the bellows and to connect the bellows to atmosphere to deflate the bellows.

29. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: using the adjustable valve to control air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the simulated lung.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein controlling the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the simulated lungs using the adjustable valve comprises providing symmetric air resistance during inspiration and expiration.

31. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein controlling the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the simulated lung using the adjustable valve comprises providing asymmetric air resistance between inspiration and expiration.

32. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the asthma simulation module further comprises: a second simulated lung; The method, wherein simulating the asthma breathing pattern using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator comprises simulating the asthma breathing pattern using at least one of the first simulated lung or the second simulated lung.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein simulating the asthma breathing pattern using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator comprises simulating the asthma breathing pattern using both the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein simulating the asthma breathing pattern using both the first and second simulated lungs comprises simulating the asthma breathing pattern by independently controlling one or more parameters of the asthma breathing pattern for each of the first and second simulated lungs.

35. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein simulating the asthma breathing pattern using both the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung comprises simulating the asthma breathing pattern by jointly controlling one or more parameters of the asthma breathing pattern for both the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung.

36. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: A method comprising the step of connecting an external respiratory device to the patient simulator, the external respiratory device configured to detect the asthma breathing pattern.

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