Development of a simulator for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The design and development of a simulator for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is described. The simulator consists of an interchangeable model of a human AAA based on computed tomography data and is produced by means of computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) techniques. The model has renal, iliac, and femoral arteries, and is perfused with a temperature controlled blood-analog fluid under simulated physiological flow conditions. "Fluoroscopic imaging" is simulated by a computerized imaging system that uses visible light. A movable video camera relays images in the antero-posterior and lateral planes of the AAA to a monitor. The imaging system allows "arteriography" and "road-mapping" to be performed so as to facilitate accurate deployment of endovascular stent-grafts. The system has been used for teaching and demonstrating endovascular techniques to clinicians, as well as the evaluation of new stent-graft devices. Its successful incorporation into endovascular workshops has demonstrated its role in the training of clinicians in endovascular repair of AAA.
Chong
C K
CK
Department of Clinical Engineering, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
How
T V
TV
Black
R A
RA
Shortland
A P
AP
Harris
P L
PL
D000792:Angiography; D017130:Angioplasty / Q000379:methods*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D014743:Videotape Recording