Simulation apparatus, system, and related method with air capture for asthma simulation

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 ART

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

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an interactive educational system for teaching patient care. While it is desirable to train medical personnel in patient care procedures before allowing contact with actual patients, textbooks and flashcards lack the important benefit for students that hands-on practice provides. On the other hand, allowing inexperienced students to perform medical procedures on actual patients inherently poses risks to the patient, and is not considered a viable alternative. Due to these factors, patient care education has often taught conducting patient care activities on simulators such as mannequins using medical instruments. Examples of such simulators include U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 952,559 (Publication No. 20080138778), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 953,606 (Publication No. 20080131855), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 952,636 (Publication No. 20080138779), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 952,669 (Publication No. 20090148822), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 952,698 (Publication No. 20080138780), U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,954, U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,676, U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,087, U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,558, U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,735, U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,519, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,292, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] While these simulators have been adequate in many respects, they have not been adequate in all respects. Accordingly, what is needed is for use in conducting patient care training sessions which is an interactive educational system that is more realistic and / or includes additional simulation functions. The following are prior art documents related to the invention of this application (including documents cited in the international phase after the international filing date and documents cited when the application entered the national phase in other countries): (Prior art document) (Patent Document) (Patent Document 1) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0157199 Specification (Patent Document 2) U.S. Patent No. 6,910,896 (Patent Document 3) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0305464 (Patent Document 4) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0055768 (Patent Document 5) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0099621 (Patent Document 6) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0250578 (Patent Document 7) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0221689 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004] The following summarizes several aspects of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the technology discussed. This summary is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all anticipated features of this disclosure, nor to identify any or all key elements of all aspects of this disclosure, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects of this disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present, in summary form, some concepts of one or more aspects of this disclosure as a preliminary step to the more detailed explanations that will be presented later.

[0005] This disclosure provides interactive educational systems, apparatus, components, and methods for teaching patient care. In some aspects of this disclosure, a system for teaching patient care is provided. The system includes a patient simulator having a patient body comprising one or more simulated body parts. The one or more simulated body parts include a torso, neck, and / or head. An asthma simulation module may be located within the simulated body part. 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 the first configuration and the second configuration. In the first configuration, the air capture module can allow airflow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung and / or block airflow along the first air path from a cavity in the air capture module to the simulated trachea. In the second configuration described above, 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.

[0006] In some embodiments, the air capture module includes a housing having a cavity, a first port communicating with the cavity, and a second port communicating with the cavity. The air capture module may also include a flapper coupled to the housing. The flapper may be configured to allow airflow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung and to block airflow 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 located within the housing. The bellows may be movable between a deflated position associated with the first configuration and an expanded position associated with the second configuration. In some embodiments, the system further includes an air supply source and at least one valve communicating with the air supply source and the bellows. The at least one valve may be configured to connect the air supply to the bellows and the bellows to the atmosphere. The air supply source may include a compressor, a compressed gas / air canister, and / or other gas / air sources. The at least one valve may have a single valve configured to connect the air supply source to the bellows in a first position and to connect the bellows to the atmosphere in a second position. The at least one valve may consist of a first valve for connecting the air supply source to the bellows and a second valve for connecting the bellows to the atmosphere. The system may also include at least one processor that communicates with the air supply 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 expanded position.

[0007] In one 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, symmetric air resistance results in the air path having equal or similar resistance during both inhalation and exhalation. On the other hand, asymmetric air resistance may result in different air resistances during inhalation and exhalation (e.g., lower during inhalation than during exhalation, or vice versa).

[0008] In one embodiment, the asthma simulation module further includes a second simulated lung. In this regard, the first and second simulated lungs may 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 located along a third air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung, and the air capture module may be located 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 located 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 located within the simulated torso. The simulated body part may also include a simulated neck connected to the simulated torso. The simulated trachea may be located 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 one 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 computerized or automated ventilators, as well as bag-valve masks. In this regard, the external ventilator may be configured to detect asthma breathing patterns in addition to providing the patient simulator with other respiratory functions.

[0010] In some aspects of this disclosure, a method for teaching patient care is provided. The method may include the steps of: 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 the 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 an asthma breathing pattern using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator.

[0011] In one embodiment, the step of simulating the asthmatic breathing pattern includes the step of causing air to move between the trachea and the first simulated lung along the second air path during inspiration, and the step of causing air to move between the first simulated lung and the trachea along the first air path during expiration. The air resistance along the first air path during expiration may be greater than the air resistance along the second air path during inspiration. In some embodiments, causing air to move between the first simulated lung and the trachea along the first air path during expiration includes the step of capturing air in the cavity of the air capture module. In this regard, the step of capturing air in the cavity of the air capture module may include blocking the port of the air capture module with a flapper. In one embodiment, the step of causing air to move between the trachea and the first simulated lung along the second air path during inspiration may include displacing the flapper relative to the port of the air capture module. The step of displacing the flapper may include the step of displacing the flapper together with the air moving along the second air path.

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

[0013] In some embodiments, the method also includes the step of controlling the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung using an adjustable valve. The air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung may be controlled using the adjustable valve to provide symmetrical and / or asymmetrical air resistance between inhalation and exhalation.

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

[0015] In some embodiments, the method includes connecting an external ventilator to the patient simulator. The external ventilator may be configured to detect the asthmatic 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 when the following description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention is considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Features of the present invention may be discussed in relation to the following specific embodiments and drawings, but all aspects of the invention may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, one or more arrangements may be discussed as having a particular advantageous feature, but one or more such features may also be used according to the various aspects and embodiments of the invention discussed herein. Similarly, exemplary embodiments may be discussed below in the context of apparatus, systems, or methods, but it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be carried out in various apparatus, systems, and methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

[0018] For the purpose of facilitating understanding of the principles of this disclosure, the same principles will now be described using specific terminology with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Nevertheless, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is intended. Any changes and further modifications in the described apparatus, apparatus, methods, and further applications of the principles of this disclosure described herein are intended to be those that would ordinarily occur to a person skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates. In particular, features, components, and / or processes described in relation to one embodiment are fully intended to be combined with features, components, and / or processes described in relation to other embodiments of this disclosure. However, for the sake of brevity, numerous iterations of these combinations will not be described individually. For simplification, in some cases the same reference numeral is used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0019] Referring to Figure 1, the patient simulator 100 according to this 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 a mannequin, includes a mannequin, or is part of a mannequin. The simulated head 105 is coupled to the simulated neck 110, and for example, 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 upper arm 145 (or "limbs") and a simulated right lower arm 150 (or "limbs"). The simulated right upper arm 145 may be detachably connected to and / or integrally formed with the simulated torso 115. The simulated right lower arm 150 may be detachably connected to and / or integrally formed with the simulated right upper arm 145. In some embodiments, the simulated right lower arm 150 is connected to the simulated right upper arm 145 via a right arm joint 155. Similarly, the simulated left arm 125 includes a simulated left upper arm 160 (or "limbs") and a simulated left lower arm 165 (or "limbs"). The simulated left upper arm 160 may be detachably connected to and / or integrally formed with the simulated torso 115. The simulated left lower arm 165 may be detachably connected to and / or integrally formed with the simulated left upper arm 160. In some embodiments, the simulated left forearm 165 is connected to the simulated left upper arm 160 via the left arm joint 170.

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

[0021] The patient simulator 100 may include one or more of the 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 related to normal breathing as well as those related to asthmatic breathing. Asthmatic breathing includes both spontaneous asthmatic events and auto-positive end-expiratory pressure (auto-PEEP), which is common in patients connected to an external ventilator. Therefore, it is understood that the asthma simulation module 202 and / or other aspects of the present disclosure are suitable for simulating asthmatic conditions, auto-PEEP, and / or other breathing patterns in which airflow does not return to zero at exhalation or at the end of exhalation, whether spontaneous or due to the use of an external ventilator. In this regard, the asthma simulation module 202 can be configured to simulate the dynamics of a natural lung associated with connecting a natural lung to an external ventilator. As a general issue, lung compliance is a measure of the change in volume of air in response to a change in applied pressure. A lung that stretches too much (is too flexible) is said to be a high-compliance lung, and a lung that does not stretch too much (is too stiff) is said to be a low-compliance lung. The asthma simulation module 202 can simulate a normal lung, a high-compliance lung, and a low-compliance lung. In this regard, the asthma simulation module 202 can increase and / or decrease the volume of one or more simulated lungs to reproduce the compliance of a natural lung.In this regard, the asthma simulation module 202 may include one or more embodiments of the lung compliance system described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 930,178 (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,687,750), which is incorporated herein by reference in whole for all applicable purposes.

[0022] As will be 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, but is not limited to, any type of commercially available ventilator, such as 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 interaction between the asthma simulation module 202 and the patient simulator 100 and the external ventilator 211 will be described later in the context of Figure 2-5B.

[0023] The compressor 204 can be adapted to supply pneumatic pressure to various features / components of the patient simulator 100, including components of the asthma simulation module 202. Such features / components to which pneumatic pressure is supplied 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 various other features / components and / or components of the patient simulator 100, which may include the asthma simulation module 202, the compressor 204, and / or 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 various other features / components and / or components of the asthma simulation module 202, the compressor 204, and / or the patient simulator 100, based on input from a control device 209 that communicates with the patient simulator 100. The control device 209 may communicate with the patient simulator 100 wirelessly (RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optical, etc.) and / or via wired communication. In this regard, the patient simulator 100 may be configured to simulate one or more parameters in response to settings and / or programs of the control device 209. In this regard, the one or more parameters may be based on user input, simulation profiles, 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 the user, a simulation profile defined by or run on the control device 209, and / or a combination thereof. In this regard, the control device 209 may include a plurality of pre-programs and / or custom simulation profiles, each configured to set the breathing pattern and / or one or more breathing parameters (along with other parameters) of the patient simulator 100 over time. The simulation profile can change 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 the breathing pattern and / or the characteristics of one or more breathing parameters of the patient simulator 100 over time, at least in part, based on actions and / or interventions taken by the user to treat the patient simulator.

[0025] The power supply 208 may be adapted to power various other functions / components of the patient simulator 100, which may include the asthma simulation module 202, the compressor 204, the control unit 206, and / or 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 control devices, processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), amplifiers, switches, and / or other components configured to control the distribution of power to the various components of the patient simulator.

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

[0027] Referring now to Figure 2, which shows an additional embodiment of the patient simulator 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the patient simulator 100 that interfaces with an external ventilator 211 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a 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 also be located within other portions of the patient simulator 100. In some cases, the external ventilator 211 interfaces with an external opening of the patient simulator 100, such as a simulated mouth and / or a simulated nose. In such cases, the interface or connection between the external ventilator 211 and the external orifice mimics the interface or connection between the external ventilator and a natural patient. In this regard, the external orifice may communicate with the simulated trachea / airway 234 of the patient simulator 100.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the asthma simulation module 202 may include a simulated right lung 210a and a simulated left lung 210b. In some embodiments, the asthma simulation module 202 may include separate asthma simulation modules or systems for each of the simulated right lung 210a and the simulated left lung 210b. In the illustrated example of Figure 2, the components of the asthma simulation module 202 having the suffix "a" may relate to the control of the breathing pattern and / or respiratory parameters associated with the simulated right lung 210a, and the components of the asthma simulation module 202 having the suffix "b" may relate to the control of the breathing pattern and / or respiratory parameters associated with the simulated left lung 210b. In this regard, the breathing patterns and / or respiratory parameters of the simulated right lung 210a and the simulated left lung 210b can be controlled independently and / or jointly.

[0029] Referring to Figure 2, the asthma simulation module 202 may include the simulated right lung 210a, the simulated left lung 210b, adjustable valves 215a and 215b, air capture modules 220a and 220b, valves 225a and 225b. The adjustable valve 215a may communicate with the simulated trachea / airway 234 of the patient simulator 100 via air pathways 230a and 232a. The adjustable valve 215a may also communicate with the simulated right lung 210a via air pathway 235a. The adjustable valve 215b may also communicate with the simulated trachea / airway 234 of the patient simulator 100 via air pathways 230b and 232b. The adjustable valve 215b may also communicate with the simulated left lung 210b via air pathway 235b. In one embodiment, the adjustable valves 215a and 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 and 215b may be configured to control the air resistance along the air path between the simulated trachea / airway 234 and the simulated right lung or the simulated left lung 210a, 210b symmetrically and / or asymmetrically. For example, symmetric air resistance results in the air path having equal or similar resistance during both inhalation and exhalation. On the other hand, if the air resistance is asymmetric, the resistance of the air path may differ during inhalation and exhalation (for example, less during inhalation than during exhalation, or vice versa).

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

[0031] In some embodiments, the air capture modules 220a, 220b may be configured to move between a first configuration (see, for example, Figures 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B) and a second configuration (see, for example, Figures 3C, 5A, and 5B). In the first configuration, the air capture modules can allow airflow from the simulated trachea / airway 234 to the simulated right lung 210a or the simulated left lung 210b, respectively, while blocking airflow 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. Therefore, in the first configuration, the air capture modules 220a, 220b can allow airflow 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 block airflow along the 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 block airflow in any direction through the air capture modules 220a, 220b. Therefore, in the second configuration described above, the air capture modules 220a, 220b can block the airflow along the first air path from the cavities of the air capture modules 220a, 220b to the simulated trachea / airway 234, and / or block the airflow along the 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 and 225b may communicate with an air supply source (e.g., a compressor, a compressed gas / air canister, or another gas / air supply source). In this regard, the valves 225a and 225b may be connected to a common air supply source (e.g., the compressor 204). In some cases, the valves 225a and 225b may be connected to separate air supply sources. As will be further discussed with reference to Figures 3A to 5B, in some embodiments, the valves 225a and 225b may be used to control the transition between the first and second configurations of the air capture modules 220a and 220b. As described above, the breathing patterns and / or breathing parameters of the simulated right and left lungs 210a and 210b can be controlled independently and / or jointly. In some embodiments, when the breathing patterns and / or respiratory parameters of the simulated right and left lungs 210a, 210b are controlled jointly, one or more components of the asthma simulation module 202 may be coupled to and / or aerally communicate 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 (for example, the simulated right lung 210a may be coupled to the airway 235b such that the adjustable valve 215b, the air capture module 220b, and the valve 225b can 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] Next, with reference to Figures 3A-3C, additional embodiments of the asthma simulation module 202 relating to the air capture modules 220a, 220b and the valves 225a, 225b will be described. In this regard, Figures 3A-3C illustrate the air capture modules 220b and the valves 225b. However, it will be understood that the air capture modules 220a and the valves 225a may have similar and / or identical features. As shown in Figure 3A, the air capture module 220b has a housing 248b having the cavity 250b, port 255b, and port 260b. Port 255b may communicate with the cavity 255b. Port 260b may communicate with the cavity 250b. The air capture module 220b may also include a flapper 270b coupled to the housing 248b. The flapper 270b may be bonded to the housing 248b using any suitable technique, including mechanical coupling, adhesive, and / or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the flapper 270b is bonded to the housing 248b via mechanical coupling (e.g., pins, nails, screws, bolts, etc.). The flapper 270b may be configured to allow airflow along the first air path from the simulated trachea / airway 234 to the simulated left lung 210b when the air capture module is in the first configuration (see, for example, Figures 3A and 4A) and to block airflow along the first air path from the cavity 250b to the simulated trachea / airway 234 (see, for example, Figures 3B and 4B).

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

[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 used.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3A, when the air capture module 220b is in the first configuration (for example, with the bellow 265b retracted), 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 airflow along arrows 300, 305, and 310 may relate to inhalation into the simulated left lung 210b when the air capture module 220b is in the first configuration.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3B, when the air capture module 220b is in the first configuration (for example, with the bellow 265b retracted), air can flow into the port 260b (see arrow 315), but the air is then captured within the cavity 250b of the air capture module 220b. In this regard, the flapper 270b can cover and / or block the port 255b. As a result, air cannot flow through the port 255b, as indicated by the intersecting through arrow 320. In some embodiments, the airflow along arrow 315 and / or the capture of air within the air capture module 220b may relate to 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 placed in the first configuration to simulate an asthmatic breathing pattern.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3C, when the air capture module 220b is in the second configuration (for example, 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 any direction, as indicated by the intersecting through arrows 320. In some embodiments, the air capture module 220b may be positioned in the second configuration to require air to flow through the adjustable valve 215b during inhalation and / or exhalation. In this regard, in some embodiments, the air capture module 220b may be positioned in the second configuration to simulate a normal (non-asthmatic) breathing pattern. For example, by bypassing the air capture module 220b during inspiration and expiration, the air path between the simulated trachea / airway 234 and the simulated left lung 210b can have equal or nearly equal resistance during both inspiration and expiration, consistent with non-asthmatic breathing.

[0039] Referring here to Figures 4A and 4B, the airflow associated with inhalation (Figure 4A) and exhalation (Figure 4B) according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. In this regard, Figures 4A and 4B show the airflow associated with inhalation and exhalation when the asthma simulation module 202 is in the first configuration (for example, with the air capture module active). As shown in Figure 4A, during inhalation, air can flow to the simulated left lung 210b 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). 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) into 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, where it is captured. If the resistance along the path to the air capture module 220b is equal to or greater than the resistance of the adjustable valve 215b, the remainder of the air from the simulated lung 210b moves along the air path shown in Figure 4B. The combination of a relatively free flow of air into the simulated left lung 210b during inspiration (as shown in Figure 4A) and a restricted flow of air from the simulated left lung 210b and through the adjustable valve 215b during expiration (as shown in Figure 4B) may be used to simulate one or more of the asthmatic breathing patterns in accordance with this disclosure.

[0040] Referring here to Figures 5A and 5B, the airflow associated with inhalation (Figure 5A) and exhalation (Figure 5B) according to an aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. In this regard, Figures 5A and 5B show the airflow associated with inhalation and exhalation when the asthma simulation module 202 is in the second configuration (for example, when the air capture module is inactive or disabled). As shown in Figure 5A, during inhalation, 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 along the reverse path 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 inspiration and exhalation, the air path between the simulated trachea / airway 234 and the simulated left lung 210b can have equal or approximately equal resistance during both inspiration and exhalation. Thus, the configurations in Figures 5A and 5B may be used to simulate one or more non-asthmatic breathing patterns in accordance with this disclosure.

[0041] In some aspects of this disclosure, a method for teaching patient care is provided. The method can utilize the patient simulator 100 and related components described above with respect to Figures 1 to 5C. The method may include the steps of providing the patient simulator having a simulated body part and an asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part, wherein the asthma simulation module includes 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 one embodiment, the step of simulating the asthmatic breathing pattern includes the steps of causing air to move between the trachea and the first simulated lung along the second air path during inspiration, and causing air to move between the first simulated lung and the trachea along the first air path during expiration. The air resistance along the first air path during expiration may be greater than the air resistance along the second air path during inspiration. In some embodiments, the step of causing air to move between the first simulated lung and the trachea along the first air path during expiration includes the step of capturing air in the cavity of the air capture module. In this regard, the step of capturing air in the cavity of the air capture module may include blocking the port of the air capture module with a flapper. In one embodiment, the step of causing air to move between the trachea and the first simulated lung along the second air path during inspiration may include the step of displacing the flapper relative to the port of the air capture module. The step of displacing the flapper may include the step of displacing the flapper together with the air moving along the second air path.

[0043] In some embodiments, the step of 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 airflow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung. In the second configuration, the air capture module blocks airflow along the first air path from the cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea. The step of moving the air capture module between the first and second configurations may include selectively inflating and deflating a bellows. In this regard, the deflated position of the bellows may be associated with the first configuration, while the inflated position of the bellows may be associated with the second configuration. The step of selectively inflating and deflating the bellows may include controlling an air supply source and at least one valve communicating with the bellows. The at least one valve may be configured to connect the air supply source to the bellows to inflate the bellows and to connect the bellows to the atmosphere to deflate the bellows.

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

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

[0046] In some embodiments, the method includes connecting an external ventilator to the patient simulator. The external ventilator may be configured to detect the asthmatic breathing pattern, in addition to providing other respiratory functions to the patient simulator.

[0047] In some aspects of this disclosure, a system for teaching patient care is provided. The system may include a patient simulator having a patient body having one or more simulated body parts. The one or more simulated body parts may include a torso, neck, and / or head. An asthma simulation module may be located within the simulated body part. 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 can allow airflow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung and / or block airflow along the first air path from the cavity of the air capture module to the first simulated lung. In the second configuration described above, 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 communicating with the cavity, and a second port communicating with the cavity. The air capture module may also include a flapper coupled to the housing. The flapper may be configured to allow airflow along the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung and to block airflow 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 located within the housing. The bellows may be movable between a deflated position associated with the first configuration and an expanded position associated with the second configuration. In some embodiments, the system further includes an air source and at least one valve communicating with the air source and the bellows. The at least one valve may be configured to connect the air source to the bellows and the bellows to the atmosphere. The air supply source may include a compressor, a compressed gas / air canister, and / or other gas / air sources. The at least one valve may have a single valve configured to connect the air supply source to the bellows in a first position and to connect the bellows to the atmosphere in a second position. The at least one valve may have a first valve for connecting the air supply source to the bellows and a second valve for connecting the bellows to the atmosphere. The system may also include at least one processor that communicates with the air supply 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 expanded 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, symmetric air resistance results in the air path having equal or similar resistance during both inhalation and exhalation. On the other hand, asymmetric air resistance may result in the air resistance being different during inhalation and exhalation (e.g., lower during inhalation than during exhalation, or vice versa).

[0050] In some embodiments, the asthma simulation module further includes a second simulated lung. In this regard, the first and second simulated lungs may 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 located along a third air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung, and the air capture module may be located 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 located 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 located within the simulated torso. The simulated body part may also include a simulated neck connected to the simulated torso. The simulated trachea may be located 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 some embodiments, the patient simulator is configured to interface with an external ventilator. The external ventilator may include, but is not limited to, any type of commercially available ventilator, such as a bag-valve-mask, computerized ventilator, or automated ventilator. In this regard, the external ventilator may be configured to detect the asthma breathing pattern in addition to providing the patient simulator with other respiratory functions.

[0052] While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modifications, alterations, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some cases, certain features of the present disclosure may be adopted without corresponding use of other features. It will be understood that such modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be interpreted broadly in a manner consistent with the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. It is a system, A patient simulator with simulated body parts, An asthma simulation module placed within the aforementioned simulated body part, The first simulated lung and, An adjustable valve communicating the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung via a first air passage, An air capture module communicating with the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung via a second air passage. The asthma simulation module having the following A system that has

2. In the system according to claim 1, 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 allow airflow through the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung, In the second configuration described above, the air capture module is configured to block the flow of air through the first air path from the cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea.

3. In the system described in claim 2, In the first configuration, the air capture module is configured to block the flow of air through the first air path from the cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea, In the second configuration described above, the air capture module is configured to block the flow of air through the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung, the system.

4. In the system according to claim 3, the air capture module is A housing having the cavity, a first port communicating with the cavity, and a second port communicating with the cavity, A flapper coupled to the housing, wherein, when the air capture module is in the first configuration, the flapper is configured to allow airflow through the first air path from the simulated trachea to the first simulated lung and to block airflow through the first air path from the cavity to the simulated trachea. A system that has

5. In the system according to claim 4, the air capture module further comprises: A system comprising a bellows disposed within the housing, wherein the bellows is movable between a contracted position related to the first configuration and an expanded position related to the second configuration.

6. In the system described in claim 5, further, Air supply source, At least one valve connecting the air supply source and the bellows, wherein the at least one valve is configured to connect the air supply source to the bellows and the bellows to the atmosphere. A system that has the following characteristics.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the air supply source includes a compressor.

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

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

10. In the system described in claim 6, further, A system comprising at least one processor communicating with the air supply source and the at least one valve, the at least one processor configured to control the at least one valve to selectively move the bellow between the retracted position and the expanded position.

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

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

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

14. In the system according to claim 1, the asthma simulation module further comprises: It has a second simulated lung, The adjustable valve is positioned along a third air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung, The air capture module is positioned along a fourth air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung in the system.

15. In the system described in claim 1, further, A second asthma simulation module is located within the aforementioned simulated body part, The second simulated lung and A second adjustable valve along a third air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung, A second air capture module along the fourth air path between the simulated trachea and the second simulated lung, including, A system having the second asthma simulation module described above.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the simulated body portion includes a simulated torso.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the asthma simulation module is located inside the simulated torso.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the simulated body portion includes a simulated neck connected to the simulated torso, and the simulated trachea is located within the simulated neck.

19. A method for simulating asthma in a system, A step of providing a patient simulator having a simulated body part and an asthma simulation module disposed within the simulated body part, wherein the asthma simulation module includes a first simulated lung, an adjustable valve communicating a simulated trachea and the first simulated lung via a first airway, and an air capture module communicating the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung via a second airway, The process involves simulating the respiratory pattern of an asthma patient using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator. A method having

20. In the method according to claim 19, the step of simulating the breathing pattern of the asthma patient is: The process of causing air to move between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung along the second air path during inhalation, A step of causing air to move between the first simulated lung and the simulated trachea along the first air path during exhalation. A method having

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

22. A method according to claim 20, wherein the step of causing the air to move between the first simulated lung and the simulated trachea along the first air path during exhalation comprises the step of capturing air in the cavity of the air capture module.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the step of capturing air in the cavity of the air capture module comprises the step of sealing the port of the air capture module with a flapper.

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

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the step of displacing the flapper includes the step of displacing the flapper with air moving along the second air path.

26. In the method according to claim 19, the step of simulating the breathing pattern of the asthma patient is: The process 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 described above, the air capture module obstructs the flow of air along the first air path from the cavity of the air capture module to the simulated trachea.

27. In the method according to claim 26, the step of moving the air capture module between the first configuration and the second configuration is: A method comprising the steps of selectively expanding a bellows between a contracted position related to the first configuration and an expanded position related to the second configuration, and contracting the bellows.

28. In the method according to claim 27, the steps of selectively expanding and contracting the bellows are: A method comprising the step of controlling at least one valve that connects an air supply source to the bellows, wherein the at least one valve is configured to connect the air supply source to the bellows in order to inflate the bellows and to connect the bellows to the atmosphere in order to deflate the bellows.

29. In the method according to claim 19, further, A method comprising the step of controlling the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung using the adjustable valve.

30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the step of controlling the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung using the adjustable valve is to provide symmetrical air resistance between inhalation and exhalation.

31. A method according to claim 29, wherein the step of using the adjustable valve to control the air resistance of the first air path between the simulated trachea and the first simulated lung provides asymmetric air resistance between inhalation and exhalation.

32. In the method according to claim 19, the asthma simulation module further comprises: It has a second simulated lung, A method comprising the step of simulating the respiratory pattern of an asthmatic patient using the asthma simulation module of the patient simulator, the step of simulating the respiratory pattern of the asthmatic patient using at least one of the first simulated lung or the second simulated lung.

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

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the step of simulating the breathing pattern of the asthma patient using both the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung comprises the step of simulating the breathing pattern of the asthma patient by independently controlling one or more parameters of the asthma patient's breathing pattern for each of the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung.

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the step of simulating the breathing pattern of the asthma patient using both the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung comprises the step of simulating the breathing pattern of the asthma patient by jointly controlling one or more parameters of the asthma patient's breathing pattern with respect to both the first simulated lung and the second simulated lung.

36. In the method according to claim 19, further, A method comprising the step of connecting an external ventilator to a patient simulator, wherein the external ventilator is configured to detect the breathing pattern of the asthma patient.

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