Surgical training apparatus, methods and systems
Inventors
Stone, Jonathan • Griffith, Steven • STONE, Nelson N.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10410542-B1
Publication Date
2019-09-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
Surgical training apparatus, methods and systems which allow surgical trainees to practice surgical skills on anatomical models in a realistic manner with an augmented reality headset and delivery of targeted surgical coursework curriculum correlated to the actions of the trainee as sensed by sensors in or adjacent the model to help the trainee develop proper surgical technique and decision making.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a surgical training system that uses an anatomical model of a human or animal together with one or more strategically placed sensors. The sensors emit signals in response to receiving an activation input, and those sensor signals are used to determine trainee actions and training state during surgical practice.
The system includes an augmented reality headset having one or more electronic and/or optical input and output channels that receive electronic signals from the sensors. A computer processor receives the signals from the augmented reality headset and/or the sensors, and a software program running on the processor correlates the sensor signals to individual surgical subject matter components stored in a computer database.
The correlated surgical subject matter component is provided as a first output to the trainee, where the output is targeted to the received signal emitted in response to the activation input. In additional described examples, cue detection can include Model Cues, ID-Motion Cues, and Still Image/Video Cues, and the system can use sensed procedural parameters to drive curriculum-related responses and performance scoring with logged and time-synchronized playback for debrief.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a surgical training system with four core inventive features centered on correlating sensor signals to stored surgical subject matter components and outputting the correlated component. Dependent claims further refine sensor activation, sensor-to-parameter correlation, threshold-based trainee output, and output modality.
Sensor-activated anatomical model
A model of an anatomical part of a human or animal, with one or more sensors attached to the model, the sensors operable to emit a signal in response to receiving an activation input.
Augmented reality headset receiving sensor signals
An augmented reality headset having one or more electronic and/or optical input and output channels adapted to receive electronic signals from said one or more sensors.
Correlating sensor signals to stored surgical curriculum components
A computer database having surgical training curriculum with one or more individual surgical subject matter components stored therein, and a software program connected to the database that correlates said one or more sensor signals to said one or more individual surgical subject matter components.
Outputting the correlated curriculum component
The software program being further operable to provide as a first output the individual surgical subject matter component which is correlated to a received signal emitted in response to receiving the activation input.
Embedded sensors exposed by fluid contact within a cut opening
The model includes two or more sensors embedded within said model that are exposed when an opening is cut and emit signals upon contact with fluid flowing within said opening.
Sequential activation of sensors at different depths tied to increasing fluid flow
Said two or more sensors are operable to sense increasing fluid flow at different depths by activating in sequence.
Mapping sensor signals to distinct volumetric quantities of fluid
Said software program correlates each sensor with a distinct volumetric quantity of fluid, assigning a different volumetric quantity to each sensor.
Threshold-based second trainee output
Said software program provides a second output when the volumetric quantity of fluid reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Text displayed in the augmented reality headset
Said second output is displayed as text visible in the augmented reality headset.
The claims center on correlating activation-driven sensor signals from an anatomical model to individual stored surgical subject matter components, and outputting the correlated component. Dependent claims further specify embedded sensor exposure by fluid contact, sequential activation across depths, mapping to distinct volumetric quantities, threshold-triggered trainee output, and displaying that output as text in the augmented reality headset.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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