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:
MedaPhor launches new ScanTrainer simulator
MedaPhor, the Cardiff based ultrasound training company, has today launched the first of its new ScanTrainer ultrasound training simulators, at the British Society for Gynaecological Imaging (BSGI) annual scientific meeting in London.
MedaPhor’s new and unique ScanTrainer ultrasound training simulator combines the latest generation animation and ‘real-feel’ haptic simulation techniques, with curriculum-based interactive learning modules, to provide fast and effective ultrasound training.
Simple and intuitive, ScanTrainer’s easy to follow tutorials and assignments, teach the trainee in an ‘immersive’ interactive self- learning environment, where they are given the freedom to learn by trial and error.
ScanTrainer’s probe replicates the real-time experience of examining a patient, allowing trainees to develop the necessary manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination, as they navigate around a virtual patient’s anatomy. The touch screen display shows the progress of the beam, with the corresponding ultrasound images that are generated during real-time scanning.
At the end of each assignment the trainee’s performance is measured against a gold standard, and at all times the trainer has access rights to the trainee’s reports on the Learning Management System and can monitor his/her progress or otherwise on a regular basis.
ScanTrainer solves the current resource conflict between the provision of clinical service and the need to train. In addition the ScanTrainer’s self directed learning frees up the need for expert direct supervision, making the system highly cost effective.
Priced at £25,000, the new Trans-vaginal ScanTrainer has been launched at the BSGI meeting held at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London and is available for sale in the UK from the beginning of May 2010. The company is currently searching for overseas distributors for the system.
MedaPhor plans to launch a range of additional ScanTrainers for the Trans-abdominal and General Medical markets, along with a range of gynaecology and obstetrics based software programmes.
Commenting on the launch Stuart Gall, Chief Executive Officer of MedaPhor, said:
“This is an exciting time for MedaPhor, as the company launches it first simulator system to market. We look forward to announcing our first sales of the system and the signing of overseas distributors for ScanTrainer before the end of 2010.”
For further information please contact:
MedaPhor
Stuart Gall, CEO +44 (0)29 2075 6534
Nazar Amso, Founding Director and Chairman +44 7774 780244
Background to MedaPhor
Spun out of Cardiff University, MedaPhor was established in 2004 to develop innovative ultrasound training programmes for medical professionals.
MedaPhor has been funded to date by Cardiff University, Fusion IP, Finance Wales and a number of private investors, including Nazar Amso.
MedaPhor has also received SMARTCymru grant support from the Welsh Assembly Government which has been fundamental in helping the company develop the new ScanTrainer simulator.