An eerily realistic manikin whose heart beats and bleeds just like a real human has been unveiled.
While it might look gruesome, the dummy serves a crucial purpose.
It is designed to allow trauma surgeons to train for emergency operations – including knife and gunshot wounds.
‘The aim is to give trainee surgeons the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of emergency heart surgery in a safe environment, and to experience the time–pressure and tactile aspects of this live–saving operation,’ explained research lead, Dr Richard Arm, of the Anatomical Replication and Manufacturing Department at Nottingham Trent University.
‘This technology can simulate the bleeding from a traumatic injury to a vital organ, providing the actual experience and limited visibility that surgeons must face on the operating table.’
The models are based on scan data from real patients, and feature a pulsating flow of synthetic blood made from water–based glycerine fluid.
This is pumped through the artificial body, simulating arterial bleeding until the injury is repaired.
As the chest cavity fills with the synthetic blood, it’s a race against the clock for the trauma team to practice locating the injury.
An eerily realistic manikin whose heart beats and bleeds just like a real human has been unveiled
While it might look gruesome, the dummy serves a crucial purpose. It is designed to allow trauma surgeons to train for emergency operations – including knife and gunshot wounds
The dummy is made from a unique combination of silicone rubber, gels and fibres, which give it the same tacticle qualities of a real heart.
For this reason, surgical instruments can be used to suture the organs.
The models are also fully reusable, and can be resealed, with new injuries added.
‘This technology will help maximise the chances of surgeons being able to save people’s lives by allowing them the space they need to practice this emergency operation and make them well prepared for real–life situations,’ explained research Assistant Andreea Pislaru.
To put the dummy to the test, the researchers invited trauma surgeons to try it on a trauma course.
Amanda Koh, a general surgical registrar, described it as ‘excellent’.
‘The trauma course was excellent – well–structured, engaging, and highly educational,’ she said.
‘The faculty delivered high–quality teaching, focusing on real major trauma scenarios.
The dummy is made from a unique combination of silicone rubber, gels and fibres, which give it the same tacticle qualities of a real heart
To put the dummy to the test, the researchers invited trauma surgeons to try it on a trauma course
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‘The highlight was the realistic, high–fidelity 3D–printed thoracic and abdominal specimens used for simulation training.’
To maximise access to the technology, the model is designed to be affordable, coming in at £6,000.
It’s also easily transportable, meaning it could be used across different hospitals.
The Medical Technologies Innovation Facility and Nottingham Trent University are now are working closely with the East Midlands Major Trauma Centre at NUH, and surgical and robotics manufacturers, to establish the MTIF Integrated Theatre Suite as a national surgical training and simulation centre of excellence.
Mr Adam Brooks, who co–led the project, said he hopes the dummies will help to save lives.
‘The new models that we have developed bring together expertise of the Major Trauma Centre, MTIF and ARM to deliver lifelike training for surgical trainees,’ he said.
‘This combined initiative will save lives.’
