3D Systems Announces Simbionix Virtual Reality Surgical Simulation Training Module

Many of us have had that already awkward moment escalate during a medical procedure when the doctor asks if you would mind if a student takes this opportunity to practice…on you. Knowing that the learning process has to start somewhere, how can you say no?

3D Systems is taking that dilemma out of the equation with the U/S Mentor Simulator, one of two new products that will be available for hands-on experience at the 24^th World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology exhibition in Barcelona, Spain, from September 14-17.

With The U/S Mentor Simulator, the latest addition to the Symbionix library of training modules through 3D Systems, uncomfortability is removed during the transvaginal ultrasound training for all involved, taking it out of the patient’s room and instead, into a virtual reality training system. Medical personnel can train on mannequins—rather than live people, or cadavers.

The simulator package includes computer, wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, foot switch, and mannequin that can be “examined.” The mannequins are anatomically correct and the simulator offers a host of real-life maladies to approach and diagnose. Because the transvaginal ultrasound is an internal procedure, it’s already more challenging. The virtual reality approach affords students and teachers a much more positive and easy learning experience.

“The U/S Mentor has been very well accepted, with customers especially impressed with the realistic imaging and training options that it offers,” said Gary Zamler, Vice President and General Manager, Simbionix Products,3DS. “Our well-established advanced ultrasound simulation technology, which has been developed over the last 10 years, allows us to rapidly enhance the product and provide a variety of unique training packages in correspondence with our client’s needs.”

What won’t have to take place in another room away from the patient, is looking at the scans and discussing diagnoses. With the Bespoke Modeling’s cloud-based software, physicians and personnel can bring the conversation right to the patient in the form of a 3D printed model of their CT scan.  The whole process is simplified from the imaging to the explaining.

Bespoke Modeling is a cloud based software and service which allows a CT scan to go from a 2D scan on the wall to a 3D printed model that the patients can hold in their hands. This allows for enhanced communication, efficiency and education for patients, who are then hopefully much more satisfied with their experience and more inclined to refer friends and family.

The CT scans are uploaded to the 3D Systems software and then can either be ordered as 3D-printed models from the company or, even better, the designs for 3D printing can be downloaded and printed there at the medical office, if they have the capability.

This new process allows:

• More integrated and visual ways to communicate with patients
• Practice models for dentists and surgeons
• Teaching tools for anatomy courses

The medical field as well as the communication between doctors and clients regarding ailments and procedures has become much more proactive recently, with technology offering so many new avenues for education. The patient is able to have a much more educated, solid discourse with the doctor—and visual aids have always been one of the best tools to explain things. Has your doctor used 3D models or 3D-printed models to discuss any health procedures or results with you? Do you think this type of communication is helpful? Please discuss your thoughts with us in the Simbionix forum thread at 3DPB.com.  Below is a video demonstration showing how Bespoke Modeling can create anatomical models within minutes.