Inexpensive Haptics Based Simulation of Military Medicine

ArchieMD is developing an advanced haptic training system to support military medical and weapons-based simulated training environments. Visual 3-D computer models will be integrated with a game engine and haptics to provide an immersive virtual reality training environment. ArchieMD has successfully established feasibility of approach by building out an immersive haptic intraosseous infusion training system for use in military medical training. For this second Phase II SBIR proposal, the haptic simulator platform will be expanded to provide additional training on Tactical Combat Casualty Care procedures such as needle chest decompression, which requires both tactile feedback and an understanding of underlying internal anatomy, as well as for less commonly taught, more advanced procedures such as fasciotomy, escharotomy, and lateral canthotomy and cantholysis. The resulting training modules will provide trainees with realistic and anatomically accurate tactile feedback, improving training value by building muscle memory and self-efficacy. Following further development, usability testing and preliminary evaluation of the haptics interface, trainees will perform a lower extremity fasciotomy on both a second-generation haptic interface and a cadaver, and their surgical technical performance will be evaluated.