Simulated Human Tissue Performance

ABSTRACT Materials in medical simulations typically consist of polymers such as PVC, silicone, and some slightly more esoteric materials. While adequate for procedural training, they are typically lacking in the realism necessary to fully engage the learner. To improve the behaviors of simulated tissues, a better understanding of the mechanics of human tissue is required. To address this problem, the military is working closely with academia to broadly characterize fresh human cadaver tissues that are of interest to military medical learning. This paper compares the measured mechanical properties of simulated tissues from medical trainers against human tissues that would be subject to a chest tube insertion (skin, pleura). The research will also begin the development of models to translate human tissue data into performance requirements for future simulated tissues. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Fluvio Lobo Fenoglietto is a Biomedical Engineering Graduate student at the Center for Research in Education and Simulation Technologies (CREST). CREST is a research and development division that spun off SimPORTAL, a simulation training program part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School. As part of CREST, Fluvio leads the development of a materials research unit focused on the characterization of the mechanical, optical, electrical, and thermal properties of biological tissues. Fluvio currently pursues an MS degree in the field of Biomedical Engineering and will continue his research as a PhD candidate, focusing on the areas of Tissue Mechanics and Simulation. Mark V. Mazzeo is an Engineering Technician for Medical Simulation Technologies at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC). He supports Science and Technology Managers with contractual documentation, maintenance and demonstration of laboratory equipment, experimental design, and data collection and analysis. He is actively involved in several research projects, from basic research to develop quantitative methods for characterizing simulated tissues, to usability studies to assess the effectiveness and utility of new technologies for Soldiers

Methods for verification of 3D printed anatomic model accuracy using cardiac models as an example

Abstract Background Medical 3D printing has brought the manufacturing world closer to the patient’s bedside than ever before. This requires hospitals and their personnel to update their quality assurance program to more appropriately accommodate the 3D printing fabrication process and the challenges that come along with it. Results In this paper, we explored different methods for verifying the accuracy of a 3D printed anatomical model. Methods included physical measurements, digital photographic measurements, surface scanning, photogrammetry, and computed tomography (CT) scans. The details of each verification method, as well as their benefits and challenges, are discussed. Conclusion There are multiple methods for model verification, each with benefits and drawbacks. The choice of which method to adopt into a quality assurance program is multifactorial and will depend on the type of 3D printed models being created, the training of personnel, and what resources are available within a 3D printed laboratory