Cross Sectional Literacy & Ultrasonography Trainer

UST Simulator

This robust, turnkey, mixed-reality simulator is designed to help novices understand and acquire fundamental cross-sectional literacy and ultrasonography (US) skills.

Based on the premise that it is a cognitive overload for novices to learn both US skills and unfamiliar anatomy, the trainer gets rid of anatomy as a “distraction” so that learners can focus on hands-on US skills acquisition. Anatomy is instead replaced by virtual familiar 3D objects like cylinders, cubes, and pyramids.

Designed for austere environments, this procedure-agnostic simulator does not require wireless or internet access or wet fluids and accepts 110/220V, 50/60Hz. It can be unpacked, set-up, and operational by an unfamiliar person in 5-7 minutes. The portable simulator fits inside a military-spec padded case with inbuilt wheels and telescoping pull-handle that meets airline checked luggage size limits (L+W+H=60”) and weighs less than 50 lbs.

We can provide access to the simulator or copies of the simulator. Contact us for details.

 

Components

  • Virtual, regular and familiar 3D objects such as cones and cylinders encased in gel
  • Virtual model of simplified targets and no-go areas
  • Tracked instruments: needle, ultrasound probe, virtual camera (interoperable between SMMARTS-compliant simulators)
  • Common System of Modular Mixed and Augmented Reality Tracking Simulators (SMMARTS) modular stand for use with other modular anatomies and procedures
  • Automated scoring and replay system for after action review (AAR)
  • Instructional materials teach fundamental cross-sectional literacy skills and ultrasonography techniques and procedures

UST sim set-up

 

 

Procedures

  • PART; use all DoF of US probe
  • Scout scan
  • Needling; tilt peek and slide
  • Maintaining a short axis view while following a vessel
  • Sidedness

Technology

  • Adheres to SMMARTS rapid simulation development platform specifications
  • Quick-release placement and indexing of SMMARTS-compliant anatomies to SMMARTS platform
  • Uses familiar, regular 3D objects like cylinders and cones that have readily recognizable reference planes or features
  • Precise sub-millimeter tracking of all events
  • High-durability simulated tissue can be rejuvenated in situ for indefinite reuse

Features

  • Integrated structured curriculum
  • Adjustable virtual ultrasound targets and difficulty levels
  • Adjustable view modes for realism and AARs
  • Ultrasound probe with depth markers
  • Debriefing with replay of past/saved procedure
  • Hybrid cross-sectional view (3D visualization in back half)
  • Anisotropy simulation for needles and other objects
  • Cognitive aids for US probe and needle orientation
 

Screenshot of UST simulator

Screenshot of UST simulator

 

Patents