DEVICE FOR TRAINING USERS OF AN ULTRASOUND IMAGING DEVICE

摘要

Disclosed are methods and devices for simulating ultrasound procedures and for training ultrasound users. Additionally disclosed are methods and devices for simulating needle insertion procedures, such as amniocentesis procedures, and for training physicians to perform such needle insertion procedures.

主权项

1. An ultrasound simulator comprising:
a digital repository of virtual three-dimensional models, including at least one virtual three-dimensional model; a processor associated with said repository and configured, during operation of said simulator to simulate, to use at least one of said virtual three-dimensional models in said repository; a location-identifying surface associated with said processor; and a physical ultrasound transducer simulator associated with said processor, said ultrasound transducer simulator comprising a three-dimensional orientation sensor configured to provide to said processor information regarding a three-dimensional orientation of said ultrasound transducer simulator relative to said location-identifying surface, wherein said at least one of said location-identifying surface and a device bearing said location-identifying surface is operative to provide to said processor information regarding a two-dimensional location of said ultrasound transducer simulator on said surface.