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Technology Development Overview

Greater and Lesser Occipital Nerves Regional Anesthesia Simulator

Mixed Simulator of Greater and Lesser Occipital Nerves Regional Anesthesia

This robust, turnkey mixed-reality simulator replicates part of an anatomically correct neck for practicing, learning, teaching, and debriefing greater and lesser occipital nerve blocks with ultrasound guidance, ultrasound assistance, or landmark-based techniques.

The Greater Occipital Nerve / Lesser Occipital Nerve Simulator, also referred to as the GON/LON Regional Anesthesia Simulator or GONLON Simulator, provides a high-fidelity training environment for clinicians learning occipital nerve block techniques.

Designed for austere environments, this medical simulator does not require wireless connectivity, internet access, or wet fluids and accepts 110/220V, 50/60Hz power. It can be unpacked, set up, and operational by an unfamiliar user in approximately 5–7 minutes. The portable simulator fits inside a military-specification padded transport case with built-in wheels and a telescoping pull handle. The entire system weighs less than 50 lbs (23 kg) and can travel as checked airline luggage.

Built on the System of Modular, Mixed and Augmented Reality Tracking Simulators (SMMARTS) platform, the simulator provides a high-fidelity training environment for clinicians learning ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia of the greater and lesser occipital nerves. The simulator combines anatomically accurate physical structures with virtual anatomy overlays and precision-tracked instruments to provide an immersive educational experience.

The simulator shares interchangeable tracked tools and infrastructure with other SMMARTS-compliant simulators, allowing rapid deployment of multiple procedural training modules using a common hardware platform.

GON/LON Simulator One Page Fact Sheet

Head-shaped training model on a white stand with connected laptop, monitor, and medical tools.

Procedures

Greater Occipital Nerve Block

  • Ultrasound Guidance
  • Ultrasound Assistance
  • Landmark Technique
  • Out-of-Plane Needle Approach

Lesser Occipital Nerve Block

  • Ultrasound Guidance
  • Ultrasound Assistance
  • Landmark Technique
  • Out-of-Plane Needle Approach

Components

  • CT scan-based, 3D-printed, high-anatomical-fidelity model of the skull, facial bones, and cervical anatomy encased in simulated tissue gel
  • Virtual anatomy model including:
    • Greater occipital nerve
    • Lesser occipital nerve
    • Relevant muscles
    • Veins
    • Arteries
  • Tracked instruments:
    • Regional anesthesia needle
    • Ultrasound probe
    • Virtual camera
  • Interoperability with other SMMARTS-compliant simulators
  • Common SMMARTS modular stand for use with additional anatomies and procedures

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Advanced Prototype / Operational System

  • Adheres to SMMARTS (System of Modular, Mixed and Augmented Reality Tracking Simulators) open-architecture rapid simulator development platform specifications
  • Quick-release placement and indexing of SMMARTS-compliant anatomies onto the SMMARTS platform
  • Anatomically correct model derived from a highly detailed medical imaging scan of a real human patient
  • Precise sub-millimeter tracking of all instruments and tools
  • Portable, ruggedized design suitable for simulation centers, workshops, military environments, and remote training locations

Features

  • Hydro-location simulation
  • Adjustable visualization modes
  • Adjustable viewing modes for realism and after-action review (AAR)
  • Simulated ultrasound image with depth markers
  • Needle anisotropy simulation
  • Tactile feedback when the needle contacts bone
  • Mixed-reality visualization of deep anatomy during procedures
  • Real-time instrument tracking and positioning

SMMARTS Platform Compatability

The Greater and Lesser Occipital Nerves Regional Anesthesia Simulator is fully compliant with the SMMARTS platform architecture, enabling rapid exchange of anatomies, instruments, and educational modules with other mixed-reality simulators developed by the University of Florida Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies (CSSALT).

The common platform architecture allows instructors and learners to transition between procedures while using the same tracked needle, ultrasound probe, camera controller, and simulator stand, reducing setup time and improving training efficiency.

Applications

This simulator is designed for:

  • Anesthesiology resident education
  • Pain medicine fellow training
  • Continuing medical education workshops
  • Military medical readiness training
  • Remote procedural skills training
  • Competency assessment and procedural debriefing
  • Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia education

Patents