Current Projects

OCF Ocular and Craniofacial Trauma Simulator

Principal Investigator: Mark P. Ottensmeyer, PhD
Description: The purpose of this research is to develop and perform preliminary validation of an ocular surgery and facial trauma treatment training simulator. Designed for both surgeon and first responder use it combines physical trauma modules with sensor/actuator elements and augmented reality components for content/feedback, hemorrhage modules is ongoing, to be followed by extension of the head form to include facial hemorrhage, airway and additional modules, and integration with a full-body mannequin. This program focuses on design and development of the simulation system. Periodic collection of surgical/user performance data from expert and junior surgeons, and later, first responders, will enable iterations in system design and creation of scoring algorithms to identify areas for performance improvement.

Low cost, modular enhancements for mannequin-based medical simulators

Principal Investigator: Mark P. Ottensmeyer, PhD
Description: We propose to create a series of low cost, dynamic, add-on modules to enhance mannequin-based medical simulations. The domain of commercial, mannequin-based medical simulators is dominated by products that are either very expensive, feature-rich systems or low-cost, articulated mannequins with little or no active functionality. The former are unaffordable for all but larger medical training facilities (and often tethered, or too fragile for frequent use outside of a dedicated simulation center), while the latter require the trainer to verbally relay vital signs and responsiveness, rather than allowing trainees to recognize vital signs directly.

Development of an Integrated Child Circulatory System Simulator to Enhance Patient Safety via Procedural Skills and Team Training in Pediatrics

Principal Investigator: Peter Weinstock, MD
Description: We proposed to create and study an authentic simulated pediatric circulatory system capable of supporting both arterial and venous access procedures at multiple sites via “plug-and-play” components within the context of a currently available whole body child mannequin.

Handheld Simulation Procedural Training Device

Principal Investigator: Debra Weiner, MD/PhD
Description: Working with clinicians at the Children's Hospital Boston (CHB), The goal for this project is to create a handheld simulation procedure training device that will enable any health care provider to learn, practice and ultimately perform medical procedures on demand, in real-time, at point-of-care in any environment. We have created an IV cannulation training device that combines a portable, passive haptic interface that tracks needle insertion trajectory, with a wirelessly-linked smartphone app that provides didactic content (text, images, video) and provides the interface for a series of tests associated with tourniquet placement, antiseptic application and the needle insertion task performed on the haptic “block.”

Development of a Surgical Hemorrhage Control Training Simulator

Principal Investigator: Daniel Raemer, PhD
Description: We propose to develop an innovative surgical hemorrhage control simulator that will be a reliable model for use in surgical team training as well as for individual surgical skill development and testing. This simulator will be a continuing development of a tumor model that the Center for Medical Simulation (CMS) has constructed and used successfully over the past five years. The proposed development will focus on four parallel design tracks and a final validation step.