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US-12620325-B2 - Lymphatic system simulator

US12620325B2US 12620325 B2US12620325 B2US 12620325B2US-12620325-B2

Abstract

A simulation system for hands-on training for medical diagnostic and treatment techniques is provided. The simulation system is provided with a manikin of a human body having a first side and a second side. The second side has a transparent simulated skin, an internal organ simulated model, and a sensor module configured to collect and transmit data based on an input by a user. In addition, the system has a processor with an implemented computer program configured to receive and interpret the data from the sensor module and provide a feedback to the user based on the interpretation of the data.

Inventors

  • Melissa STUMP

Assignees

  • Melissa STUMP

Dates

Publication Date
20260505
Application Date
20240815

Claims (12)

  1. 1 . A simulator system for hands-on training for medical diagnostic and treatment techniques, the system comprising: a manikin of a human body having a first side and a second side, the second side comprising: a transparent simulated skin, a simulated lymphatic system, wherein the simulated lymphatic system comprises a plurality of simulated vessels, a plurality of simulated lymph nodes, a plurality of valves configured to drain a simulated lymphatic fluid, a plurality of manifolds to facilitate collection and movement of the simulated lymphatic fluid; and a sensor module being disposed throughout the manikin and configured to collect and transmit data based on an input by a user; and a processor with an implemented computer program configured to receive and interpret the data from the sensor module and provide a feedback to the user based on the interpretation of the data, wherein a user-applied pressure or a movement causes a corresponding displacement, accumulation, or flow of the simulated lymphatic fluid within the simulated lymphatic system, wherein the corresponding displacement, accumulation, or flow is visually observable through the transparent simulated skin, and wherein the feedback is based at least in part on a relationship between the detected user-applied pressure or movement and/or the resulting visually observable simulated lymphatic fluid behavior.
  2. 2 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the simulated lymph vessels have different diameters.
  3. 3 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the manikin further comprises a pump and a fluid bag.
  4. 4 . The system according to claim 3 , wherein the pump comprises: a housing to prevent the simulate lymphatic fluid entering the pump; a plurality of rollers; and a hose having a suction side and a discharge side.
  5. 5 . The system according to claim 4 , wherein the manikin comprises a plurality of pumps.
  6. 6 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor module comprises a flow sensor, a level sensor, a temperature sensor and a conductivity sensor.
  7. 7 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor module configured to communicate with the implemented computer program.
  8. 8 . The system according to claim 6 , wherein the sensor module is integrated with the pump and configured to monitor and adjust in real time a flow rate, pressure, and temperature of the simulated lymphatic fluid.
  9. 9 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the implemented computer program comprises an artificial intelligence (AI) module, wherein the AI module is configured to determine based on an input data whether the user's interaction with the manikin conforms with predetermined parameters.
  10. 10 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the feedback is displayed as a text, a voice, and/or an animation on a user device.
  11. 11 . The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a virtual reality (VR) module.
  12. 12 . The system according to claim 11 , wherein the VR module comprises VR headsets configured to display a computer simulation of elements of a lymphatic system.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/534,198 filed on Aug. 23, 2023 under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND The present invention generally relates to a system for teaching practical skills in the medical field. More specifically, the present invention relates to a simulation system for hands-on training for medical diagnostic and treatment techniques of professional medical staff and medical students with regard to various systems of the human body, for example, the lymphatic system. The current quality crisis in health care is well recognized. Numerous recent studies have led to the conclusion that the burden of harm conveyed by the collective impact of all of our health care quality problems is staggering. The related figures are illustrative. Estimates of the number of deaths each year as a result of medical errors are larger than those who die from motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS. Health professionals are also concerned and report that the quality of care has been greatly reduced. On the other hand, patients have been neglected due to the lack of treatment, causing an increase in the number of post-surgical visits and increasing longer hospital stays and higher payouts from insurance companies. Patients are experiencing deficits with the lack of education that has led to chronic cases that could have been prevented if, for example, “healthy” lymph nodes have been protected instead of destroyed with extensive incisions that could have been prevented during the treatment. A solution is therefore needed that allows for hands-on training for medical diagnostic and treatment techniques of professional medical staff and medical students with regard to various systems of the human body, for example, lymphatic system. This system can be introduced to therapists, nursing schools, medical schools, hospitals, simulation labs, and educational programs that can be incorporated with the simulation device, which would provide an opportunity for students, professionals and family members to have the educational experience to take care of their own loved ones for a better quality of life at home with the proper training, direction, and feedback from the realism of the simulation device. SUMMARY According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a simulation system for hands-on training for medical diagnostic and treatment techniques is provided. The simulation system is provided with a manikin of a human body having a first side and a second side. The second side has a transparent simulated skin, an internal organ simulated model, and a sensor module configured to collect and transmit data based on an input by a user. In addition, the system has a processor with an implemented computer program configured to receive and interpret the data from the sensor module and provide a feedback to the user based on the interpretation of the data. Additional technical features and benefits are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed subject matter. For a better understanding, refer to the detailed description and to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The specifics of the exclusive rights described herein are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary diagram of a manikin of a simulation system for hands-on training for medical diagnostic and treatment techniques in accordance with embodiments of this invention; FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of the simulation system for hands-on training for medical diagnostic and treatment techniques in accordance with embodiments of this invention; FIG. 3 depicts a diagram of a one-way valve in accordance with embodiments of this invention; FIG. 4 depicts a diagram of the movement of a simulate lymphatic fluid in accordance with embodiments of this invention; and FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a pump in accordance with embodiments of this invention. In the accompanying figures and following detailed description of the described embodiments, the various elements illustrated in the figures are provided with two, three or four digit reference numbers. With minor exceptions, the leftmost digit(s) of each reference number correspond to the figure in which its element is first illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference to “a specific embodiment” or a similar expression in the specification means that specific features, structures, or characteristics described in the specific embodiments are included in at least one