Bronchoscopy Training Simulator Using Real Anatomical Specimens
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current training models for bronchoscopy and thoracic procedures either lack clinical realism, failing to simulate sufficient challenges, or are overly virtual, leading users to discount the experience as not representative of real-world scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive training system that includes a housing unit simulating a patient's chest cavity with realistic lungs, a respiratory controller for simulating breathing, a fluid controller for simulating bodily fluids, and a thoracic navigation system with tools and sensors, creating a more immersive and realistic environment for training clinicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If low fidelity models are used for training, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the training realism and clinical challenge simulation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses real patient anatomical structures (lungs, airways, vessels) as the training model instead of creating artificial replicas. This copying approach maintains high training realism by using actual clinical specimens while avoiding the complexity of manufacturing high-fidelity synthetic models.
Solution Approach 2:
The training system integrates multiple training modalities (bronchoscopy, percutaneous procedures, vascular access) into a single platform using real anatomical specimens. This multi-functionality approach provides comprehensive training value while using simple containment structures rather than multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If high fidelity simulators are used for training, then the training realism is improved, but the device complexity increases and the tools fail to resemble actual clinical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential training value from complex high-fidelity simulators by using real anatomical specimens contained in simple boxes. This extraction removes unnecessary simulation complexity while retaining the authentic clinical training experience provided by real tissues and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating complex artificial replicas, the system uses actual patient anatomy as the training model. This copying approach provides authentic training realism without requiring complex manufacturing, allowing clinicians to practice on real tissues in a controlled educational setting.
3Reliability
If virtual environments are used for training, then the immersion is improved, but the user experience becomes artificial and users discount the experience as not representative of real-world scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses real patient anatomical specimens instead of virtual simulations, providing authentic tactile and visual feedback that cannot be replicated in virtual environments. This copying approach ensures users experience genuine clinical conditions while maintaining a simple physical containment structure rather than complex virtual reality systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a realistic training environment that enhances the preparation of clinicians for real-world scenarios by simulating clinical challenges and conditions, improving their skills and familiarity with actual procedures and tools.
Implementation Method 1
a respiratory controller configured to control inspiration and expiration of air into and out of the plurality of airways of the at least one simulated lung
Implementation Method 2
a fluid controller configured to control administration of fluids to the at least one simulated lung
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum source which is controlled by the respiratory controller and in fluid communication with the plurality of airways to simulate coughing or other respiratory variations by suctioning air out of the at least one simulated lung
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in accordance with the present disclosure are systems, devices, and methods useable in training for bronchoscopy and thoracic procedures. An exemplary system includes a housing unit configured to simulate the chest cavity of a patient, at least one simulated lung located within the housing unit, the at least one simulated lung including a plurality of airways, and an exterior of the at least one simulated lung being substantially sealed from the atmosphere by the housing unit, a respiratory controller configured to control inspiration and expiration of air into and out of the plurality of airways of the at least one simulated lung, and a fluid controller configured to control administration of fluids to the at least one simulated lung.