The method involves computationally modeling a placenta by simulating physical placenta models with computational in silico models. The simulated data is compared with actual data from the physical models, and the simulation is iterated until a match is achieved. The method may also include calibrating diffusion parameters for testing substances, and configuring the models for analyzing instances of fluid-induced shear and substance transport. The simulated data may be used to obtain maternal-fetal pharmacokinetic in silico placenta models, and the method may be used to obtain predictions for time-dependent concentrations of molecules in fetal circulation. The computational models may consider instances of fluid-diffusive transport and carrier-mediated transport in calculations and determinations of transport characteristics and values of different testing substances.

A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside the frame. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing a number of surgical procedures including but not limited to transanal excisions and transvaginal hysterectomies. Portions of the frame comprises a material adhesively compatible with the material of portions of the simulated tissue model to secure and suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame. The simulated tissue model may also include simulated vasculature configured to loop through apertures in the frame to secure and suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame.

Simulated tissue structures and methods of manufacturing are provided. The simulated tissue structures are particularly useful for placement inside abdominal simulators for practicing laparoscopic surgical techniques. One simulated tissue structure includes a combination of two materials that are attached together wherein one of the materials forms a hollow anatomical structure configured to contain the other material. The two materials are attached in an anatomically advantageous manner such that the inner surface of the outer material closely conforms to the outer surface of the inner material. Another simulated tissue structure includes a plurality of layers wherein at least one layer is applied by printing the layer with at least one stencil to impart one or more functional characteristic to the simulated tissue structure.

Various embodiments are described herein for an integrated female pelvic model that comprises a main body having a front opening with curved edges to define a pliable vulvar opening; and a first compartment having a front portion that is flexibly attached to the curved edges of the main body, an end portion that is disposed within the main body having a first side that is shaped to provide a cervix structure and a second side that is flexibly anchored to a first portion of the main body; and a first channel that extends within the first compartment from the front portion to the end portion of the first compartment, the first channel defining a continuous, flexible vagina ending at the cervix structure.

A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside an enclosure. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing hysterectomies and includes at least a simulated uterus and a simulated vagina. The simulated tissue model is suspending inside the enclosure with two planar sheets of silicone such that the tissue model is located between the two sheets each of which form a fold and are in turn connected to the frame. The frame may be shaped like a cylinder and located inside a cavity of a larger laparoscopic trainer having a penetrable simulated abdominal wall. The tissue model is interchangeable and accessible laterally through an aperture provided in a support leg of the trainer.

A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside the frame. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing a number of surgical procedures including but not limited to transanal excisions and transvaginal hysterectomies. Portions of the frame comprises a material adhesively compatible with the material of portions of the simulated tissue model to secure and suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame. The simulated tissue model may also include simulated vasculature configured to loop through apertures in the frame to secure and suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame.

A phantom for simulating fetal heartbeat. The phantom includes a housing and a fetal heartbeat simulator. The housing has an exterior shaped like a female human pelvic region and surrounds an interior. The fetal heartbeat simulator includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being positioned within the interior of the housing. The tube is filled with a first fluid having a first compressibility. A second fluid, having a compressibility that is greater than the compressibility of the first fluid, is disposed at the distal end of the tube. A pressure mechanism operably coupled to the proximal end of the tube is configured to selectively compress and decompress the first and second fluids.

A method and apparatus to simulate intrauterine contractions to train clinicians in using a tocodynamometer (TOCO) transducer. The apparatus includes an enclosure housing an air bladder, with an opening in the enclosure for a TOCO transducer to be placed in contact with the air bladder. The air bladder is selectively pressurized by a source of compressed gas, the flow being controlled by a flow valve. A pressure release valve is provided to reduce pressure in the bladder. A pressure sensor monitors the bladder pressure, and can be used to calibrate the system to determine what bladder pressure produced a given uterine activity. The flow valve may be controlled by a software run on a processor to achieve particular uterine activity levels over a given period of time.

Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training are disclosed. In some instances, a patient simulator system is provided that includes a maternal patient simulator and a fetal patient simulator. The maternal patient simulator includes an internal chamber sized to receive the fetal patient simulator and a birthing mechanism disposed within the internal chamber configured to translate and rotate the fetal patient simulator with respect to the maternal patient simulator to simulate a birth. In some instances, the maternal patient simulator includes a structural framework and a sub-layer engaged with the structural framework to provide structural support and alignment features for one or more soft silicon outer layers defining a realistic skin of the maternal patient simulator.

The surgical simulator contains a one-piece simulated uterus having a uterine fundus and body. A rigid hollow support base has a recess in its support surface that is complementary to the shape of at least a portion of the uterine fundus and body so that at least a posterior portion of the uterine fundus and body fit securely into the recess to retain the simulated uterus in position during use. Liquid can be introduced into the base to add weight, and the liquid can be heated to heat the simulated uterus to body temperature. The base can also provide a rigid hard tissue component that simulates the surface topography of the pelvic bone, portion of the spine, hip joints and heads of the femurs. The hard tissue component can be encased in an elastomeric material that simulates muscles and skin to practice obstetric procedures such as a C-section, insertion of an intrauterine tamponade balloon, insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device, or insertion of compression sutures such as the B-Lynch suture.