Teaching simulator PickUpSim™

for echocardiographymonitoringgynecological surgery

PickUpSim™ is an innovative, high fidelity system for the simulation of the human ovum collection procedure in the context of assisted human reproduction. The simulator includes an haptic feedback system and a virtual echographic monitor. The main technical features of PickUpSim include: Haptic feedback Simulation of the deformation imposed by the needle on the soft tissues Simulation of follicle emptying and re-filling Scenarios based on real clinical images Simulation of PickUpSim™ enables hands-on procedural training and permits, thanks to the haptic feedback, simulation of the resistance to penetration of the soft tissues traversed by the Ovum Aspiration Needle, in particular the ovarian surface and the ovarian follicle. Echographic Monitoring Monitoring of the procedure by a simulated Transvaginal Echographic monitor Real time simulation of emptying and re-filling of the follicles Permitted Movements and Echographic Monitoring Needle movements are allowed both in the forward and in the backward direction. It is possible to move the ultrasound probe in the sagittal plane and to observe a coherent and real-time modification of the scene (allowing the user to investigate the volume of the follicles and to choose the proper entry plane for the needle). It is possible to rotate the ultrasound probe and to get a transverse view (in order to allow the user to investigate blood vessels and to differentiate vessels from follicles) Simulated aspiration of follicles driven by a pedal pump. Exercises and Simulations The user can practice and develop competency using simulation scenarios based on real clinical images.