Modular Uterine Phantom with Beating Heart for Ultrasound Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological simulation tools for training medical providers, such as uterine and fetal modeling apparatuses, lack realistic interaction and simulation of critical obstetrical procedures, particularly in complex situations requiring human interaction and teamwork, and often fail to provide the necessary pressure and movement sensations, limiting the effectiveness of training.
Innovation Solution
Development of modular and portable apparatuses that simulate a human uterus, allowing sonogram imaging and incorporating a human fetus model with a beating heart, placenta, and umbilical cord, which can be attached to a live human or model, providing realistic training scenarios for procedures like amniocentesis and fetal heart assessment, and allowing for the simulation of fetal movement and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stand-alone torsos or computer-generated images are used for training, then device complexity is reduced, but realism and effectiveness of training are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a realistic copy of the human uterus and fetal environment using a phantom model that replicates anatomical structures, fluid dynamics, and tissue properties. This allows trainees to practice procedures on a lifelike replica without the risks associated with real patients, thereby improving training effectiveness while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom system allows adjustment of various parameters such as fluid volume, fetal position, and tissue consistency to simulate different clinical scenarios. This enables comprehensive training for multiple obstetrical situations using a single apparatus, enhancing training effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If modular apparatus attached to live human or model is used, then realism and human interaction training are improved, but portability and setup flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The training apparatus is designed as a modular system that can be attached to or removed from standardized patient models. This segmentation allows the realistic uterine environment to be integrated with different training scenarios and patient models, enhancing realism while maintaining ease of setup and portability through standardized connection interfaces.
3Reliability
If detailed anatomical features like full skull and beating heart are included, then training comprehensiveness for critical situations is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates detailed anatomical replicas including a full skull model and a beating heart mechanism within the fetal model. These realistic copies provide authentic visual and tactile feedback for trainees practicing critical procedures such as fetal heart assessment and skull imaging, thereby improving training comprehensiveness. The standardized manufacturing processes for these detailed features help control production complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beating heart is achieved through pneumatic or hydraulic actuation mechanisms that simulate cardiac motion and blood flow. This allows realistic simulation of fetal heart activity without requiring complex biological systems, balancing training comprehensiveness with manufacturing feasibility through engineered fluid dynamics.
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
Enables realistic and immersive training for healthcare professionals, enhancing their ability to practice complex obstetrical procedures with real-life pressure and interaction, improving communication and teamwork skills, and providing a more effective simulation of critical situations compared to traditional stand-alone torsos or computer-generated images.
Implementation Method 1
the anterior wall is configured to permit sonogram imaging of the human fetus model through the anterior wall
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure includes embodiments of apparatuses and methods for simulating the uterus of a human (e.g., for training medical providers to perform sonograms, amniocentesis, ultrasound-guided amniocentesis, and/or other procedures). For example, in at least some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a container with a compartment and an anterior wall that is configured to permit sonogram imaging of the compartment. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a container that is configured to be removably coupled to the abdomen of a live human or human model such that the compartment simulates the uterus of the human or model.