These videos illustrate the use of the VOXEL-MAN Sonography training simulator for abdominal and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examinations. The trainee is given the task of finding and properly visualizing an anatomical lead structure in the ultrasound image.
It is recommended to watch the videos in full resolution.
Handling
This video shows how the ultrasound probe is controlled with the haptic device. It can be moved and rotated in any direction. As in reality, you can feel the resistance when the probe is pressed against the patient’s body. Position and orientation of the probe are displayed on the screen, together with the ultrasound image and the corresponding anatomical image.
The endoscope and ultrasound probe in EUS are controlled with the haptic device in a similar way.
Abdominal ultrasound
This video shows the screen of a training session in abdominal ultrasound. The task is presented on the left, the ultrasound image at the top center, and the corresponding anatomical image at the top right. Patient and probe are shown at the bottom center.
In this case, the task is to visualize the mesenteric artery, as shown in the target image at the bottom right. When the trainee is happy with the result, he or she presses the FREEZE button (space bar). Subsequently, a number of multiple choice questions regarding related lead structures have to be answered, often referring to structures highlighted (green) in the ultrasound image. Finally, positioning of the probe and the multiple choice test are evaluated.
Endoscopic ultrasound (longitudinal probe)
This video shows the screen of a training session in endoscopic ultrasound with a linear probe. The task is presented on the left, the ultrasound image at the top center, and the corresponding anatomical image at the top right. The endoscopic image is shown at the bottom center. Three orthogonal cross-sections at the bottom right indicate the position of the tip of the endosope and the ultrasound probe inside the body.
In this case, the task is to visualize the superior mesenteric artery, as shown in the target image on the left. Using the haptic device, the endoscope is moved through the esophagus all the way down to the stomach. The training session is evaluated in the same way as described above.
Note that the screen orientation of the longitudinal EUS image can be adjusted (cranial end at left/right).
Endoscopic ultrasound (radial probe)
This video shows the screen of a training session in endoscopic ultrasound with a radial probe. In this case, the task is to visualize the splenoportal confluence.
Again, the endoscope and probe are handled and the training session is evaluated in the same way as described above.
Note that the view direction of the radial EUS image can be adjusted (180° up, 180° down, 360°).
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