VOXEL-MAN Sonography is a new type of virtual training simulator for endoscopic and abdominal ultrasound. With its unique functions, it offers completely new possibilities for specialist training.
Endoscopic ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an advanced imaging procedure in internal medicine. However, orientation in the human body is difficult and the interpretation of the obliquely positioned ultrasound images poses a major challenge. Risk-free training options are hardly available to date.
The VOXEL-MAN Sonography training simulator enables realistic, non-invasive training of endoscopic ultrasound examinations. The virtual endoscope is guided through the upper gastrointestinal tract using a haptic device. As in reality, the doctor sees both the endoscopic image and the ultrasound image. Interpretation is supported by an anatomical cross-sectional image at the same location as the ultrasound image. In addition, three navigation images show the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe in the transverse, sagittal and coronal planes. All images can be queried at the click of a mouse with regard to the anatomical structures shown.
The trainees have to solve numerous practical tasks to visualize anatomical structures in ultrasound and answer the corresponding questions. The tasks are divided into the areas of mediastinum, abdomen and duodenum and are therefore also interesting for related disciplines. Performance is assessed automatically, so that the system is also suitable for self-study. A video recording of the session is available for debriefing.
VOXEL-MAN Sonography has a longitudinal and a radial probe.
Abdominal ultrasound
In a similar way, abdominal ultrasound examinations can also be practiced.
Setup
VOXEL-MAN Sonography comes as a compact, portable system based on a laptop and a haptic device. The underlying high-resolution virtual patient model is based on the Visible Human.