SBIR-STTR Award

Simulution Inc. proposes to work with Melerit Medical AB of Sweden to create a femur fracture simulator to train military and civilian orthopedic surgeons and other medical personnel. The Melerit TraumaVision simulator, a part task, virtual reality simulator, will be modified and already allows surgeons to practice installing internal fixators including screws, pins and hooks into a virtual femur while watching simulated fluoroscopic images. We propose to modify the Melerit TraumaVision simulator to include more functionality and be more realistic. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of simulating bleeding and tissue deformation, simulating collisions between instruments and bone, and expanding the simulator to include multiple patient scenarios. The feasibility of including a physical model of a leg containing a femur with many fractures that can be released under computer will be evaluated. The physical model, when developed, will allow physical exam and palpation of pulses. In Phase I a validation assessment of the new functionalities will be done and expanded performance metrics will be defined. The content of an educational CD to be used with the simulator will be outlined. In Phase II a fractured femur simulator incorporating the functionalities developed in Phase I will be prototyped

Simulution Inc. proposes to work with Melerit Medical AB of Sweden and Soft Options of the UK to create a fractured femur simulator to train orthopedic surgeons and other medical professionals. The TraumaVision Simulator, a part task, virtual reality simulator allows surgeons to practice installing internal fixators - including screw, pins, and hooks ñ into a virtual femur while watching simulated fluoroscopic images. We propose to modify the TraumaVision Simulator to include more functionality and realism. Phase II will finalize development and implement simulations of bleeding, tissue deformations and collisions between instruments. More patient scenarios including different fractures and morphologies will be added, and the scoring system adapted to accommodate these changes. Physical models of the lower extremities will be built that contain femoral pre-fractures that can be released under computer control. The VR portion will display an appropriate fluoroscopic image for the pre-fracture released. The physical models will also include soft tissues that can simulate swelling and bleeding and allow physical exam and palpation of pulses without VR headsets and data gloves. A validation assessment of the prototype TraumaVision simulator will be completed. A didactic educational curriculum to be used in conjunction with the simulator will be developed.

Keywords:
Femur Fracture, Medical Simulator, Simulation, Medical Education, Haptic, Virtual Reality, Validation, Quality Improvement