title: An active one-lobe pulmonary simulator with compliance control for medical training in neonatal mechanical ventilation.
abstract: Mechanical ventilation is a current support therapy for newborns affected by respiratory diseases. However, several side effects have been observed after treatment, making it mandatory for physicians to determine more suitable approaches. High fidelity simulation is an efficient educational technique that recreates clinical experience. The aim of the present study is the design of an innovative and versatile neonatal respiratory simulator which could be useful in training courses for physicians and nurses as for mechanical ventilation. A single chamber prototype, reproducing a pulmonary lobe both in size and function, was designed and assembled. Volume and pressure within the chamber can be tuned by the operator through the device control system, in order to simulate both spontaneous and assisted breathing. An innovative software-based simulator for training neonatologists and nurses within the continuing medical education program on respiratory disease management was validated. Following the clinical needs, three friendly graphic user interfaces were implemented for simulating three different clinical scenarios (spontaneous breathing, controlled breathing and triggered/assisted ventilation modalities) thus providing physicians with an active experience. The proposed pulmonary simulator has the potential to be included in the range of computer-driven technologies used in medical training, adding novel functions and improving simulation results.
authors.affiliation: The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, v.le R. Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Baldoli
authors.forename: Selene
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tognarelli
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cecchi
authors.forename: Rosa Teresa
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Scaramuzzo
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciantelli
authors.forename: Marzia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gentile
authors.forename: Armando
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cuttano
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Laschi
authors.forename: Arianna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Menciassi
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boldrini
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dario
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009359:Neonatology / Q000193:education*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012984:Software; D012985:Software Design; D014584:User-Computer Interface