Background

In today’s simulation manikins anatomical mechanics and aesthetics are ignored, resulting in an incorrect haptic experience for a medical trainee who needs to learn the lifesaving chest compression procedure.

Objectives

Within this paper we detail the process of producing a neonatal ribcage with realistic mechanical , aesthetic, and haptic properties using 3D printing.

Methods

One rib model was printed using the ABS material in multiple thicknesses and print angles. These ribs were tested for mechanical properties using a force gauge (Figure 1). The results were organized and compared to literature.

Figure 1. Picture of force gauge measuring strength rib

Results

In Table 1 & 2 the results of the force gauge tests are depicted.

Conclusion

We conclude that the ABS material, with a 10% increase in thickness, and printed under a 0 to 10 degree angle replicates neonatal bone properties best, and provides a more realistic mechanical, aesthetic, and haptic representation to use in simulation manikins.

Background

Newborn life support (NLS) manikins have been used for clinical training for over 30 years. Over this period the mechanical construction of manikins has changed little, as reflected in their continued poor anatomical and physiological fidelity. This poor fidelity may inadequately prepare clinicians to deliver sufficiently deep and consistent chest compressions (CCs) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Objectives

We aim to develop a NLS manikin with higher human fidelity by employing a combination of MRI imaging, 3D printing, material selection, and casting.

Methods

Using a full body MRI scan of a 37-week old newborn, a replica of the bone structure and molds of the thoracic organs was 3D printed. After casting in Ecoflex 5 silicone, the prototype NLS manikin was assembled (Figure 1 (top)). To validate its fidelity force-displacement tests were performed on a Resusci Anne manikin and the prototype NLS manikin design following NLS CC guidelines (Figure 1 (bottom)). These data were then quantitatively compared to compression data from rabbits [1].

Results

Figure 2 shows that the prototype NLS manikin exhibits more non-linear force-displacement behavior than the Resusci Anne manikin which showed a linear behavior.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the prototype has higher human fidelity.

References

[1] Lloyd, D., Development and validation of a feedback device suitable for resuscitation of premature infants. Master’s Thesis, Stellenbosch University, (2016).

Background

Newborn life support (NLS) manikins have been used for clinical training for over 30 years. Over this period the mechanical construction of manikins has changed little, as reflected in their continued poor anatomical and physiological fidelity. This poor fidelity may inadequately prepare clinicians to deliver sufficiently deep and consistent chest compressions (CCs) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Objectives

We aim to develop a NLS manikin with higher human fidelity by employing a combination of MRI imaging, 3D printing, material selection, and casting.

Methods

Using a full body MRI scan of a 37-week old newborn, a replica of the bone structure and molds of the thoracic organs was 3D printed. After casting in Ecoflex 5 silicone, the prototype NLS manikin was assembled (Figure 1 (top)). To validate its fidelity force-displacement tests were performed on a Resusci Anne manikin and the prototype NLS manikin design following NLS CC guidelines (Figure 1 (bottom)). These data were then quantitatively compared to compression data from rabbits [1].

Results

Figure 2 shows that the prototype NLS manikin exhibits more non-linear force-displacement behavior than the Resusci Anne manikin which showed a linear behavior.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the prototype has higher human fidelity.

References

[1] Lloyd, D., Development and validation of a feedback device suitable for resuscitation of premature infants. Master’s Thesis, Stellenbosch University, (2016).