SIMETRI Develops Fasciotomy Training System

In 2016, SIMETRI and the U.S. Army Futures Command introduced the development of a lower extremity fasciotomy part task trainer. A fasciotomy is performed to treat compartment syndrome, an extremely dangerous condition caused by swelling in the extremities. Throughout the last few years, the research, design and testing has continued to improve the solution, including recent integration with the advanced modular manikin (AMM), a program managed by the Joint Project Manager Medical Modeling and Simulation (JPM MMS).

"This program has been such an exciting one to be a part of because the training solution is making an immediate impact on students, as well as providing the opportunity to further our research for continued improvements," said Angela Albán, SIMETRI's president and CEO. "Currently our focus is the physiological development of the system to provide better interactions for scenario training."

When left untreated, compartment syndrome can result in loss of limb and possibly death. The training device provides users the opportunity to learn the critical tasks and techniques required to perform a fasciotomy of the lower extremities. Soldiers can develop compartment syndrome after blast or crush injuries, and although not as common in normal civilian life, can be seen following events like natural disasters and road traffic collisions.

The new fasciotomy tabletop trainer (top and bottom photos) features four layers including the skin, adipose, fascia, and muscle for learners to learn basic skills prior to using the part task trainer (center photo). Image credit: SIMETRI

The most recent updates include the design updatesfacilitating attachment to the Rescue Randy and Laerdal manikins, the two ofthe most commonly used human patient simulators used by the U.S. Army, otherU.S. forces, and first responders as well.

SIMETRI has also moved forward to create a table topsimulator to familiarize the trainee with the tissues and common techniquesused when performing a fasciotomy procedure. This training device enables usersto cut through tissue — the skin, adipose, and fascia — and then ultimatelyexpose the muscle. It, along with several other fasciotomy products includingthe Rescue Randy and Laerdal modules, will be featured by the U.S. Army FuturesCommand in the JPM MMS Booth #2185 at the Interservice/Industry Training,Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida.

SIMETRI’s future development plans include a virtual realitycomponent for training military medical personnel. Military sponsored researchsupports the use of intelligent technologies to help measure skills, minimizeerrors, schedule training, and control the duration and expense of training.