Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
  • G09B23/00—Models for scientific, medical, or mathematical purposes, e.g. full-sized devices for demonstration purposes
  • G09B23/28—Models for scientific, medical, or mathematical purposes, e.g. full-sized devices for demonstration purposes for medicine
  • G09B23/30—Anatomical models
  • G09B23/34—Anatomical models with removable parts

Definitions

• the invention in at least some embodiments, relates to the field of medical simulations and medical simulation mannequins.
• Medical simulation mannequins are life-sized, three-dimensional representations of a whole or part of the human body, used for training of health-care and rescue professionals under realistic scenarios.
• the medical simulation mannequin may be programmed to simulate various lifelike symptoms and physiological responses to treatment. It is preferred that such mannequins simulate a human as accurately as possible, in terms of appearance and feel (bones, muscle, skin, flexibility at joints, etc).
• Some medical simulation mannequins include hydraulic or pneumatic internal assemblies that simulate physiological aspects such as respiration, blood circulation and bleeding. Such medical simulation assemblies are typically driven by a pressurized operating gas.
• a disadvantage of such mannequins is that these are "tethered” requiring a gas pipe connected to an external source of pressurized operating gas. Such tethering damages the realism of a mannequin in terms of appearance and manipulability (moving, carrying or turning the mannequin over).
• Such tethering also limits the utility and realism of mannequins for training of mass-casualty events, inter alia, due to the need of many (criss-crossing) gas pipes and limits on where mannequins can be placed (in vehicles, trapped in wreckage and rubble).
• the invention in at least some embodiments, relates to tetherless medical simulation mannequins, to methods of medical simulation using such mannequins and systems suitable for implementing the methods.
• a tetherless pneumatic medical simulation mannequin comprising:
• a gas-pressure driven medical simulation assembly having an operating gas inlet configured for accepting an operating gas; a first rechargeable on-board gas storage tank for storing the operating gas, having: a capacity to hold an amount of the operating gas sufficient for not less than 30 minutes of continuous operation of the medical simulation assembly, and a recharging port allowing filling of the first on-board gas-storage tank with the operating gas;
• gas conduit providing fluid communication between the gas storage tank and the gas-driven medical simulation assembly, the gas conduit having a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of operating gas expanding from the storage tank to a pressure suitable for input to the operating gas inlet.
• the on-board gas storage tank is preferably produced in accordance with aeronautic and transportation system standards, such that the mannequin is safe for transport and use. Suitable such gas storage tanks are commercially available from RIX Industries (Benicia, California, USA).
• no electrical supply is required for use and/or filling of the onboard gas storage tank.
• no electrical power is required by the on-board gas storage tank, so that the life of a battery required for other simulation activities (e.g., operation of the medical simulation assembly) is prolonged.
• energy stored (as gas-pressure) in the on-board gas storage tank does not dissipate when the mannequin is not in use.
• the on-board gas storage tank and associated components do not require routine maintenance and therefore provide longer usage time and lower mannequin maintenance costs than otherwise.
• An advantage of a rechargeable on-board gas-storage tank as a source of operating gas for a gas-pressure driven simulation assembly of a tetherless mannequin compared to other alternatives such as an on-board compressor is substantially no generation of noise.
• An onboard compressor typically makes noise (e.g., humming, whirring) and generate heat that damage the quality of the simulation, for example, of simulated physiological functions such as heart beat or breathing or of search and rescue simulations that begin with a need to find a mannequin substantially hidden from view, e.g., under rubble.
• the recharging port is configured for in situ filling of the first on-board gas storage tank, that is to say the recharging port is typically accessible and operable for charging of the first on-board gas storage tank without need for substantial movement or dissassembly of the mannequin, in some embodiments thereby improving simulation quality.
• the mannequin (especially components such as the recharging port and/or the first rechargeable on-board gas storage tank and/or the regulator) is configured for substantially uninterrupted operation of the medical simulation assembly while the first rechargeable on-board gas storage tank is being filled with operating gas through the recharging port, in some embodiments thereby improving simulation quality.
• the mannequin is configured (especially components such as the recharging port and/or the first rechargeable on-board gas storage tank) so that during filling of the first on-board gas-storage tank with the operating gas through the recharging port from a higher-pressure gas source, substantially no noise is produced that interferes with simulation of physiological functions and allows filling to be completed in a relatively short time, in some such embodiments not more than about 5 seconds, not more than about 4 seconds, not more than about 3 seconds, not more than about 2 seconds and even not more than about 1 second, in some embodiments thereby improving simulation quality.
• such configuration includes relatively large internal-diameter recharging port shaped to prevent whistling.
• the pressure regulator is configured for regulating the pressure of operating gas from the storage tank to a pressure of not more than about 2 bar.
• the first on-board gas storage tank is configured to store the operating gas at a maximum pressure of not less than about 100 bar, not less than about 200 bar and even not less than about 300 bar. In some embodiments, the gas storage tank is configured to store the operating gas at a maximum pressure of about 345 bar.
• the first on-board gas storage tank is held inside the mannequin. In some embodiments, the first on-board gas storage tank is held inside a leg of the mannequin. In some embodiments, the first on-board gas storage tank is held inside a lower leg of the mannequin. In some embodiments, the first gas storage tank simulates a shin bone of the mannequin.
• the mannequin further comprises a second on-board gas storage tank.
• the second on-board gas storage tank is in fluid communication with the first on-board gas storage tank. In some embodiments, the second on-board gas storage tank is in fluid communication with the first on-board gas storage tank such that operating gas from the first on-board gas storage tank flowing to the operating gas inlet (freely) passes through the second on-board gas storage tank.
• the second on-board gas storage tank is in fluid communication with the first on-board gas storage tank such that operating gas filling the first on-board gas storage tank through the recharging port also flows to and fills the second onboard gas storage tank.
• the second on-board gas storage tank is held within a leg of the mannequin.
• the first on-board gas storage tank is held within a lower leg of the mannequin and the second on-board gas storage tank is held within a corresponding thigh of the leg of the mannequin.
• the fluid communication between the first on-board gas storage tank and the second on-board gas storage tank is provided by a connecting element passing through a corresponding knee of the leg of the mannequin.
• the mannequin has a knee joint, moveable in a manner simulating the movement of a knee.
• the connecting element is flexible, so as not to interfere with knee movement.
• the connecting element constitutes the knee joint, and in some embodiments there exists a separate knee-joint component.
• the recharging port be configured to allow access thereto without need for substantial movement of the mannequin. Accordingly, in some embodiments the recharging port is accessible at the heel of the foot of the leg of the mannequin. In some such embodiments, the recharging port is connected to the on-board gas storage tank through a connecting element located at the ankle of the leg of the mannequin. In some embodiments, the recharging-port / storage tank connecting element is configured to rotate in an ankle-like fashion.
• the capacity of the on-board gas storage is sufficient to store an amount of the operating gas sufficient for not less than about 1, not less than about 2, not less than about 3 and in some embodiments even not less than about 4 hours of the continuous operation of the medical simulation assembly, in at least some embodiments thereby improving simulation quality.
• Continuous operation is understood as "normal" operation by a person having ordinary skill in the art or the manufacturer of a medical simulation mannequin.
• the mannequin further comprises an operating-gas gauge configured to determine and wirelessly report a measure of the amount of operating gas actually stored in the on-board gas storage tank.
• such a gauge includes a gas-pressure gauge associated with a Bluetooth® or RFID transceiver for continuous, non-continuous or post-interrogation reporting of the measure of the amount of operating gas.
• a medical simulation system comprising:
• At least one in some embodiments at least 2 or even at least 3 tetherless mannequins according to the teachings herein;
• At least one portable refill pack including at least one refill tank for holding operating gas for refilling a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin;
• a refill-pack filling station for refilling a refill tank of a portable refill pack with operating gas.
• a single refill pack is man-portable and is transportable by a single human.
• Such configuration typically includes a weight of not more than about 40 kg, not more than about 30 kg, not more than about 25kg, not more than about 20 kg, and even not more than about 15 kg.
• the first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin is configured to store the operating gas at a maximum pressure of not less than about 100 bar, not less than about 200 bar and even not less than about 300 bar.
• the gas storage tank is configured to store the operating gas at a maximum pressure of about 345 bar.
• a refill pack is configured to allow refilling of the first onboard gas storage tank of a mannequin by establishment of a fluid communication between the refill tank and the first on-board gas storage tank through the recharging port, allowing (preferably unassisted) operating gas expansion from the refill tank to the first on-board gas storage tank.
• such configuration requires, inter alia, that the refill tank store operating gas at a higher internal pressure than the first on-board gas storage tank.
• the operating gas cools so quick refilling is not associated with dangerous heating that can be a safety hazard or compromise the integrity of the mannequin and components thereof.
• the refill tank of a refill pack is configured to hold the operating gas at a maximum pressure of not less than about 200 bar, not less than about 300 bar, not less than about 400 bar, not less than about 500 bar and even not less than about 600 bar.
• the gas storage tank is configured to store the operating gas at a maximum pressure of about 611 bar.
• a refill pack has a capacity (in terms of the amount of operating gas that can be held in the refill tanks thereof) at least about twice, and in some embodiments, at least about three times that of a mannequin (held in the first, and if present also second, on-board gas storage tank.
• the total capacity of a mannequin is up to about 5 liter, more typically not more than about 4 liters and usually not more than about 3 liters.
• a refill pack has a capacity of about 12.5 liters, about the size of a diving cylinder.
• the filling station of a system is typically relatively large and its purpose is to refill spent refill pack refill tanks.
• a filling station is typically mobile, for example, is vehicle or trolley mounted, in some embodiments a filling station is fixed.
• a filling station is configured for filling a single refill tank or a single refill pack at a time.
• a filling station is configured for filling at least two, at least three and even more refill tanks or refill packs simultaneously.
• the filling station comprises a gas reservoir tank for holding operating gas with which to refill a refill tank.
• the filling station is configured to allow the refilling of a refill tank of a refill pack by establishment of fluid communication between the reservoir tank and the refill tank, allowing (preferably unassisted) operating gas expansion from the reservoir tank to the refill tank.
• the operating gas cools so quick refilling is not associated with dangerous heating that can be a safety hazard.
• the reservoir tank is configured to hold the operating gas at a maximum pressure of not less than about 250 bar, not less than about 350 bar, not less than about 450 bar, not less than about 550 bar and even not less than about 650 bar.
• the gas storage tank is configured to store operating gas at a maximum pressure of about 689 bar.
• a reservoir tank has a capacity (in terms of the amount of operating gas that can be held therein) at least about twice, and in some embodiments, at least about five and even at least about ten times that of a refill pack.
• a refill pack has a capacity of about 12.5 liters. In a typical embodiment, a reservoir tank has a capacity of 162 liter.
• the filling station further comprising a compressor (or like component) for filling the reservoir tank, for example, when needed or continuously.
• the filling station requires an external power source although in preferred embodiments, the filling station includes batteries and/or a generator for providing power to operate the compressor.
• the filling station includes a compressor (or like component) that is configured for directly refilling a refill tank with operating gas.
• the filling station requires an external power source although in preferred embodiments, the filling station includes batteries and/or a generator for providing power to operate the compressor.
• Such embodiments are typically less preferred as these fill the refill tank more slowly, are less reliable, and allowance must be made for cooling the refill tank being filled.
• a method for medical training comprising:
• At least one portable refill pack including at least one refill tank for holding operating gas for refilling the first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin;
• At least one refill-pack filling station for refilling a refilling tank of a portable refill pack with operating gas
• the medical event being simulated is a mass-casualty event. In some embodiments, at least two, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5 and even at least 10 mannequins are placed at a simulation location and the respective medical simulation assemblies activated.
• the need for recharging a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin is according to a decision of a supervisor of the simulation. In some embodiments, the in 'c', the need for recharging a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin is according to a schedule. In some embodiments, in 'c', the need for recharging a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin is based on wirelessly receiving an indication that an amount of operating gas in the on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin is lower than a threshold.
• the recharging 'c' of a first on-board gas storage tank includes (a human) carrying a portable refill pack to proximity of a mannequin to allow the transfer of operating gas to the first on-board gas storage tank of the mannequin.
• the recharging 'c' of a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin is performed in situ, without substantial movement of the mannequin during the simulation.
• the recharging 'c' of a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin is without substantial interruption of operation of the medical simulation assembly of the mannequin.
• the recharging 'c' of a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin is without generation of substantial noise, that is to say, noise sufficient to substantially interfere with a simulated physiological function. In some embodiments, the recharging 'c' of a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin is completed in not more than about 5, not more than about 4, not more than about 3, not more than about 2 and even not more than about 1 second.
• the method further comprises: maintaining the pressure and amount of operating gas in the refill tank of the refill pack relative to that of a first on-board gas storage tank such that the refilling 'c' of a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin includes, subsequent to establishing fluid communication between the refill tank and the first on-board gas storage tank, the pressure and amount of operating gas in the refill tank being sufficient for (preferably unassisted) operating gas expansion from the refill tank to the first on-board gas storage tank, as discussed above.
• refilling 'd' a refill tank includes (preferably a human) carrying a portable refill pack to proximity of a filling station to allow refilling of the refill tank.
• the human leaves the refill pack to be filled (eventually) by someone else, and takes an already full refill pack to continue the task 'c' of refilling the on-board gas storage tanks.
• the filling station comprises a gas reservoir tank for holding operating gas, as described above.
• the method further comprises: maintaining the pressure and amount of operating gas in the gas reservoir tank relative to that of a refill tank of a refill pack such that the refilling of the refill tank 'd' includes, subsequent to establishing fluid communication between the refill tank and the reservoir tank, the pressure and amount of operating gas in the reservoir tank being sufficient for (preferably unassisted) operating gas expansion from the gas reservoir tank to the refill tank, as discussed above.
• maintaining the pressure and amount of operating gas in the gas reservoir tank is effected by operating a compressor.
• pressures are expressed herein in units of bar. As is known to a person having ordinary skill in the art, 1 bar is equal to 100 kPa.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical simulation mannequin according to the teachings herein;
• FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a leg of an embodiment of a medical simulation mannequin according to the teachings herein comprising a first on-board gas storage tank located within a lower leg and simulating a shin bone and a second on-board storage tank located within a thigh of the mannequin;
• FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of a leg of an embodiment of a medical simulation mannequin according to the teachings herein comprising a first on-board gas storage tank located within a lower leg and simulating a shin bone and a second on-board gas storage tank located within a thigh of the mannequin;
• FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a medical simulation system comprising the medical simulation mannequin of Figure 1, a portable refill pack and a filling station.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable refill pack according to the teachings herein.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a filling station according to the teachings herein. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
• the invention in at least some embodiments, relates to tetherless medical simulation mannequins, to methods of medical simulation using such mannequins and systems suitable for implementing the methods.
• Tetherless medical simulation mannequins provide greater mobility and flexibility of use than tethered mannequins, thereby allowing a more realistic, therefore effective, simulation experience.
• Tetherless medical simulation mannequins with a compressor installed within a leg are known, but such compressors create an unrealistic noise that, inter alia, interferes with important simulated physiological sounds (e.g., breathing or heart beats).
• compressors are power- hungry, , training session durations are limited by the storage capacity of batteries in the mannequin, and must be interrupted for battery replacement and re-charging time.
• small compressors suitable for such uses are fine mechanical devices that must undergo at least annual removal and dissassembly as preventive maintenance.
• teachings herein relate to tetherless medical simulation mannequins, to methods of medical simulation using such mannequins and systems suitable for implementing the methods that in some embodiments overcome at least some of the problems known in the art.
• a tetherless pneumatic medical simulation mannequin comprising:
• a gas-pressure driven medical simulation assembly having an operating gas inlet configured for accepting an operating gas
• a first rechargeable on-board gas storage tank for storing the operating gas having: a capacity to hold an amount of the operating gas sufficient for not less than 30 minutes of continuous operation of the medical simulation assembly, and a recharging port allowing filling of the first on-board gas-storage tank with the operating gas;
• a gas conduit providing fluid communication between the gas storage tank and the gas-driven medical simulation assembly, the gas conduit having a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of operating gas expanding from the storage tank to a pressure suitable for input to the operating gas inlet.
• At least one portable refill pack including at least one refill tank for holding operating gas for refilling a first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin;
• a refill-pack filling station for refilling a refill tank of a portable refill pack with operating gas.
• a method for medical training comprising:
• a. providing: at least one mannequin according to the teachings herein; at least one portable refill pack (as described herein) including at least one refill tank for holding operating gas for refilling the first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin; and at least one refill-pack filling station (as described above) for refilling a refilling tank of a portable refill pack with operating gas,
• a tetherless pneumatic medical simulation mannequin 10 comprising a gas-pressure driven medical simulation assembly 12.
• suitable medical simulation mannequins which may be adapted for use in embodiments described herein include the Harvey® or SimMan® mannequin (both from Laerdal Corporation, Stavanger, Norway).
• the mannequin comprises a full-body mannequin, providing a life-like representation of a full human body.
• a full-body mannequin is devoid of one or more limbs, for simulating amputation.
• the mannequin comprises a partial-body mannequin, providing a life-like representation of a part of the human body, such as the head and torso for simulation of medical situations involving only specific parts of the human body.
• the human body represented is male, female or indeterminate.
• the mannequin simulates an adult.
• the mannequin simulates a pregnant female, with or without simulated fetus.
• the mannequin simulates a child.
• the mannequin simulates an infant.
• Medical simulation assembly 12 may be configured to control simulation of a specific physiological function or group of functions, such as, for example, cardiovascular functions.
• Medical simulation assembly 12 comprises an operating gas inlet 14 configured for accepting an operating gas at a pressure of not more than about 2 bar.
• known suitable such medical simulation assemblies typically accept an operating gas at a pressure of 1.5 bar.
• Medical simulation mannequin 10 further comprise a first on-board gas storage tank 16, suitable for holding an operating gas (such as air, nitrogen, argon or neon, or a combination thereof) used for driving medical simulation assembly 12.
• First on-board gas storage tank 16 preferably has a capacity sufficient for not less than 30 minutes continuous operation of medical simulation assembly 12, preferably far more, e.g., not less than about 1 hour, not less than about 2 hours, not less than about 3 hours and even not less than about 4 hours.
• first on-board gas storage tank 16 In order for a sufficiently small first on-board gas storage tank 16 to have a sufficient capacity for not less than 30 minutes continuous operation of medical simulation assembly 12, the internal pressure in first on-board gas storage tank 16 is typically at least about 100 bar, at least about 200 bar, at least about 300 bar, and even at least about 400 bar.
• first on-board gas storage tank 16 comprises non- metallic walls, such as carbon fiber walls.
• First on-board gas storage tank 16 is provided with an outlet 18 and a separate recharging port 44 allowing filling of first on-board gas storage tank 16 with operating gas.
• Mannequin 10 is configured for substantially uninterrupted operation of medical simulation assembly 12 while first rechargeable on-board gas storage tank 16 is being filled with operating gas through recharging port 44.
• gas conduit 20 Providing fluid communication between outlet 18 of first on-board gas storage tank 16 and inlet 14 of medical simulation assembly 12 is gas conduit 20.
• gas conduit 20 comprises a pressure regulator 22 for regulating gas pressure to operating gas inlet 14.
• Gas conduit 20 comprises a gas conduit inlet 24 configured for coupling to outlet 18 of on-board gas storage tank 16, and a gas conduit outlet 28 for coupling to operating gas inlet 14 of medical simulation assembly 12.
• Gas conduit 20 provides fluid communication between gas conduit inlet 24 and gas conduit outlet 28 while pressure regulator 22 regulates the pressure of operating gas expanding from on-board gas storage tank 16 to a pressure suitable for input to inlet 14.
• pressure regulator 22 regulates pressure at gas conduit outlet 28 to a pressure of not more than about 2 bar, such as, for example, not more than about 1.8 bar, not more than about 1.5 bar, or not more than about 1 bar.
• the capacity of on-board gas storage tank 16 is such that operating gas at a pressure of not more than about 2 bar is provided to inlet 14 for a period of about 2 hours when medical simulation assembly 12 is in constant use, or for a period of up to about 3 hours when used for about 60% of the time.
• first on-board gas storage tank 16 is held inside medical simulation mannequin 10,inside a leg 34, specifically a lower leg 32 of medical simulation mannequin 10, simulating a shin bone of mannequin 10.
• the first on-board gas storage tank 16 is held in a cavity elsewhere within the mannequin, such as within the upper leg or torso.
• a first on-board gas storage tank 16 is located outside the body of the mannequin.
• first on-board gas storage tank 16 when provided outside the body of a medical simulation mannequin, is preferably concealed within or fashioned as an accessory, such as a backpack, attached to the mannequin.
• pressure gauge 39 is configured to determine the pressure in gas conduit 20, and therefore in first on-board gas storage tank 16, and to report the determined pressure by wireless transmission (over a Bluetooth® piconet using a battery-powered integrated Bluetooth® transceiver). The reported pressure can be used by an operator to determine the actual amount of operating gas stored in first onboard gas storage tank 16.
• Figure 2 is depicted a leg 34 of a different embodiment of a medical simulation mannequin according to the teachings herein, having a first on-board storage gas tank 16 held within a lower leg 32 and a second on-board gas storage tank 36, held within thigh 38, in fluid communication with first on-board gas storage tank 16 such that operating gas from first on-board gas storage tank 36 flowing to operating gas inlet 14 passes through second onboard gas storage tank 36 and operating gas filling first on-board gas storage tank 16 through said recharging port 44 also flows to and fills second on-board gas storage tank 36.
• first on-board storage gas tank 16 and second on-board gas storage tank 36 are through a connecting conduit 35 passing through a knee 42 of leg 34.
• connecting conduit 35 is a flexible steel-reinforced tube that does not interfere with the movement of knee 42 around knee joint 37.
• Second on-board gas storage tank 36 is provided with an outlet 25.
• second on-board gas storage tank 36 comprises non-metallic walls, such as carbon fiber walls.
• Both the mannequin depicted in Figure 1 and in Figure 2 comprise a recharging port 44 of first rechargeable on board gas storage tank 16, accessible at the heel 46 of foot 48 of leg 34.
• Filling port 44 is connected to on-board gas storage tank 16 by a second connecting element 50 located at the ankle 52 of foot 48 of leg 34.
• Second connecting element 50 is preferably configured to function as a simulated ankle-joint to rotate in an ankle-like fashion so that ankle movement is not impeded.
• recharging port 44 is accessible at heel 46 configures recharging port 44 for in situ filling of first on-board gas storage tank 16: while the mannequin is located in almost any relevant location (e.g., under rubble, on the ground, on a stretcher) and almost any posture (e.g., laying face-down, face-up on the side, sprawled) recharging port 44 is accessible for filling operating without need for moving or interfering with the use of the mannequin for simulation and/or training.
• FIG. 3 is shown a back view of a leg 34 of an additional embodiment of a medical simulation mannequin according to the teachings herein, comprising first on-board gas storage tank 16 within lower leg 32 simulating a shin bone, and second on-board gas storage tank 36 within upper leg 38 simulating a thigh bone of the mannequin.
• Fluid communication between on-board gas storage tank 16 and second on-board gas storage tank 36 is provided by first connecting element 40 located at knee 42 of leg 34.
• First connecting element 40 is configured to simulate the knee joint by bending in a knee-like fashion.
• First on-board storage gas tank 16 further comprises a recharging port 44, accessible at the heel 46 of foot 48 of leg 34.
• Filling port 44 is connected to first on-board gas storage tank 16 by a second connecting element 50 located at the ankle 52 of foot 48 of leg 34.
• Second connecting element 50 is preferably configured to simulate an ankle joint by moving in an ankle-like fashion.
• medical simulation mannequins according to the teachings herein, such as depicted in Figure 1, 2 and 3, are exceptionally useful as components of embodiments of a medical simulation system according to the teachings herein and/or for implementing embodiments of a method for medical training according to the teachings herein.
• FIG 4. An embodiment of a medical simulation system according to the teachings herein, system 54, is schematically depicted in Figure 4., comprising at least one medical simulation mannequin 10 according to the teachings herein (for example, at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, or more mannequins), at least one portable refill pack 56 including at least one refill tank 68 for holding operating gas for refilling the first on-board gas storage tank of the mannequins, and at least one refill-pack filling station 58 for refilling refill tanks 68 of the portable refill packs 56 with operating gas.
• filling station 58 comprises a reservoir tank 60 a compressor 62 having a gas inlet 64 and connected to a power supply 66, such as a generator, a battery or electrical outlet.
• FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a portable refill pack 56 in the form of a backpack comprising two refill tanks 68a and 68b secured to a carrying rack 70 with carrying straps 72
• Refill pack 56 includes a single inlet port 57, allowing simultaneous filling of both refill tanks 68a and 68b with operating gas, and a single outlet port 59 functionally associated with switch 61, refill hose 63 and coupling element 65.
• coupling element 65 is forcefully coupled with a recharging port 44 of a mannequin and switch 61 is activated to open outlet port 59.
• a refill pack 56 includes a safety feature that prevents over filling of a first on-board gas-storage tank, for example an outlet port 59 is configured to prevent exist of operating gas at a pressure higher than is safe for a first on-board gas-storage tank.
• Portable refill pack 56 depicted in Figure 5 is of dimensions and weight to be easily carried and operated, even over rough terrain by a a single human.
• a portable refill pack according to the teachings herein comprises one, two or more refill tanks.
• the gas passages from air tanks 68 through the first on-board gas storage tank 16 are configured so that during refilling the gas passes not only quickly, but also substantially silently so as to not substantially effect the simulation.
• a portable refill pack contains a sufficient amount of gas at a sufficient pressure compared to the pressure and needed recharge volume of on-board gas storage tank 16, so that transfer is by unassisted expansion of operating gas from a refill tank 68 to an on-board storage tank 16.
• a portable refill pack 56 holds a sufficient amount of operating gas to provide multiple recharging of at least one on-board gas storage tank 16 of a mannequin 10.
• Use of a portable refill pack in accordance with the teachings herein allows the on-board gas tanks of a mannequin to be refilled in remote locations, and extends the period over which a medical simulation mannequin can be continuously used in challenging environments (e.g., field, rough terrain, wreckage and rubble) for many hours.
• the total weight of a portable refill pack 56 such as depicted in Figure 5 comprising two refill tanks 68a and 68b is about 38 kg.
• portable refill tanks such as 68a and 68b are constructed using a lightweight carbon fiber.
• a filling station 58 suitable for implementing the teachings herein comprising reservoir tank 60, compressor 62 having gas inlet 64 and preferably a power supply 66.
• Filling station 58 is preferably mobile, for example provided on a vehicle, trolley or cart.
• suitable compressors include compressor SA-3E from RIX Industries, Benicia CA, USA.
• the pressure of gas entering compressor 62 through gas inlet 64 is optionally brought to a pressure of about 230 bars, for example at a rate of about 60 standard liters per minute.
• Compressor 62 further comprises an intensifier (not shown), which increases the pressure of the gas to about 700 bar before passing to reservoir tank 60.
• Compressor 62 comprises an electric motor and requires connection to a power supply 66, such as an AC power supply, for example 220-230V, 1 phase, 50 Hz.
• the intensifier is driven by air pressure and requires a low pressure source, such as 6 bar. In a hospital environment, the low pressure source may be provided by the central air system. Alternatively, the intensifier may be driven by an electrical motor.
• Reservoir tank 60 preferably has a large capacity relative to portable refill pack 56.
• reservoir tank 60 of filling station 58 contains a sufficient amount of gas at a sufficient pressure compared to the pressure and needed recharge volume of portable refill pack 56, so that said transfer is by (preferably unassisted) expansion of gas from reservoir tank 60 to portable refill pack 56.
• reservoir tank 60 is sufficiently greater than that of portable refill tanks 68 that multiple charging packs 56 can be filled without requiring interruption of a medical simulation for refilling of reservoir tank 60 by compressor 62.
• reservoir tank 60 is configured to contain about 160 liters of gas at pressure of about 700 bar , wherein the gas pressure is maintained by the compressor for about 32 hours after filling of reservoir tank 60.
• reservoir tank 60 containing high pressure gas enables portable refill pack 56 to be rapidly refilled, such as within a time period of no greater than 2 minutes and even less. It is preferred that recharging of portable refill pack 56 at filling station 58 be quick and fail-safe, even under challenging conditions of weather and lighting (such as at night).
• filling station 58 further comprises a regulator (not shown) that releases gas into portable refill pack 56 at the required safe pressure.
• a single filling station 56 has at least two, at least three filling conduits each having an own regulator to allow concurrent filling of multiple portable refill packs 56.
• a portable refill pack 56 when a portable refill pack 56 is connected to reservoir tank 60 of filling station 58, pressure is rapidly equalized to about 611 bar.
• Portable refill pack 56 is then disconnected from reservoir tank 60, and can be used immediately with no need for cooling.
• compressor 62 is activated and restores pressure in reservoir tank 60 to about 690 bars within less than about 4 hours.
• additional reservoir tanks and/or compressors and/or smaller portable refill packs may be used to decrease the restoration time.
• the pressure at which gas is discharged into on-board gas storage tank 16 affects the operating time of medical simulation mannequin 10.
• the system described herein may comprise multiple medical simulation mannequins 10. For example, in some embodiments the system described herein may provide 3 hours of operation for 27 individual mannequins.
• a retrofit kit for use with a known medical simulation mannequin comprising a gas-pressure driven medical simulation assembly comprising an operating gas inlet, the kit comprising an on-board gas storage tank 16 holding a gas at a pressure of at least 100 bar, and a gas conduit 20 comprising a pressure regulator 22 for regulating gas pressure to an operating gas inlet of a gas-pressure driven medical simulation assembly.
• On-bard gas storage tank 16 provided with an outlet 18.
• Gas conduit 20 comprises a gas conduit inlet 24, configured for coupling to outlet 18 of on-board gas storage tank 16, and a gas conduit outlet 28 configured for coupling to an operating gas inlet of a medical simulation mannequin.
• the retrofit kit is installed in a known medical simulation mannequin by removing a limb, such as a leg of the standard mannequin and replacing with a limb fitted with the retrofit kit. In some embodiments, the retrofit kit is installed in an existing limb of a known medical simulation mannequin.
• a method for medical training comprising:
• At least one mannequin for example, at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least 10 or more mannequins )according to the teachings herein; at least one portable refill pack (as described herein) including at least one refill tank for holding operating gas for refilling the first on-board gas storage tank of a mannequin; and
• At least one refill-pack filling station for refilling a refilling tank of a portable refill pack with operating gas
• the mannequins are placed in a relevant simulation location and position, such as on a bed, gurney or ground, in the field, in a wreck of a building or vehicle (e.g., car, bus, aircraft, train), or under rubble, depending on the medical event to be simulated.
• the medical training is of a mass casualty event, such as, for example, a terrorist attack (including bioterrorism), chemical emergency, radiation emergency, natural disaster (such as earthquake, hurricane, flood and the like), or a multiple- vehicle accident.
• the method of medical training may be used for training of medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, ambulance crew, and medical technicians, as well as first responders such as firefighters, police or military personnel.
• the method of medical training further comprises monitoring an amount of gas in at least a first on-board gas storage tank of a medical simulation mannequin as an aid to deciding when to recharge the operating gas of the mannequins.
• the method of medical training further comprises intermittently recharging first on-board gas storage tanks, for example according to a predetermined schedule, or as convenient for the operator.
• first on-board gas storage tank is recharged without substantial interruption or effect of the simulation of a medical event.
• the method of medical training further comprises monitoring an amount of gas in a portable refill pack .
• a portable refill pack further comprises a pressure gauge, which indicates the amount of operating gas held in the respective refill tank or tanks 68, allowing the operator to monitors when there is a need to refill the operating gas in the portable refill pack.
• the method of medical training further comprises intermittently recharging portable refill pack, for example according to a predetermined schedule, or as convenient for the operator.
• the method of medical training further comprises maintaining reservoir tank of filling station filled with sufficient gas, such as by operating compressor to compress gas into reservoir tank.

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• 2013
  • 2013-01-25 WO PCT/IB2013/050667 patent/WO2013111111A1/fr not_active Ceased

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