MedaPhor out of Cardiff, Wales released a haptic training simulator for practicing transvaginal ultrasound procedures. The system is focused around the PHANTOM Omni haptic device from SensAble Technologies that manages input and provides force feedback to the user. Now available in UK for £25,000 a pop, the ScanTrainer overcomes the need of having real life patients spreading their legs to squeamish residents.
From the product page:
Each module is broken down into easy-to-follow tutorials and assignments designed to teach the trainee in an ‘immersive’ interactive learning experience, where they are given the freedom to learn by trial and error.
ScanTrainer’s replica ultrasound probe is attached to a force-feedback (haptic) device, which enables the trainee to navigate around a virtual patient’s anatomy. As the probe is moved, the display shows the progress of the beam in the patient’s anatomy, side by side with corresponding ultrasound images that have been generated during real-time scanning. ScanTrainer replicates the real-time physical feedback of probe manipulation and contact with a patient, allowing trainees to develop the necessary manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
At the end of each assignment the trainee is measured against a Gold Standard and can review their performance, then either retakes the assignment if unsuccessful, or progresses to the next assignment.
Product page: ScanTrainer…
Press release below the fold:
From the announcement:
Crospon of Galway, Ireland, having recently received FDA clearance, is now bringing to the US market its EndoFLIP (Endolumenal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe). The device uses a balloon probe that can inflate to measure how far hollow organs are able to expand. Some of the uses of the EndoFLIP include identifying candidates for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) surgery, setting gastric band stoma size during bariatric surgery, and analysis of the state of anorectal disorders.
Researchers at Purdue University and Washington University have developed an experimental ultrasensitive medical imaging technique that uses a pulsed laser and tiny metallic nanocages. The system works by shining near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses through the skin to detect hollow nanocages and solid nanoparticles – made of an alloy of gold and silver – that have been injected into the bloodstream. The gold-silver nanocages exhibit a bright three-photon luminescence when excited by the ultrafast pulsed laser, with 10-times greater intensity than pure gold or silver nanoparticles.
Current materials used for scaffolds include polymers/hydrogels which are porous and biocompatible but floppy, ceramics which are porous but brittle, and other natural resources. The ideal scaffold should be osteoconductive and biodegradable at a rate which complements the growth of host tissue.
Verizon Wireless is teaming up with BL Healthcare of Foxboro, MA to trial an at-home wireless system for patient care. There’s not much detail in the press release about the technologies involved, but we suspect the trial will be based around BL Healthcare’s TCx Interactive System.
