Case Study: MedVision SonoVision

Challenge

As the use of ultrasound equipment to effectively diagnose patients has become increasingly common, it is crucial to thoroughly train ultrasound technicians. To help ultrasound technicians gain the necessary skills and confidence in ultrasound diagnostics, MedVision created SonoVision, a high-fidelity ultrasound simulator requiring accurate human (student) physical interaction with the simulated patient to produce a realistic clinical training experience.

Solution

SonoVision is an ultrasound simulatorthat provides a clinically realistic scanning experience across multiple disciplines such as general ultrasound, OB-GYN, trauma care, and emergency medicine. Students can learn numerous scanning techniques due to SonoVision’s comprehensive pathology database and varied case scenarios. The simulator is user-friendly and portable, making it ideal for institutions with dynamic training needs.

The ultrasound probe is tracked using Polhemus hardware, allowing for the exact angle and pressure of the probe to be tracked in real-time and providing students with detailed, objective performance analytics. Instantaneous, highly accurate tracking was essential to MedVision when designing SonoVision, to ensure a realistic scanning environment.

Polhemus electromagnetic tracking technology does not require a direct line of sight, allowing the tracking sensor to be embedded into the ultrasound probe. The tracking source is mounted inside of the manakin, streamlining the equipment manufacturing process and simplifying the student experience. Additionally, Polhemus was a great fit as the sensors provide 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) data, offering a comprehensive and realistic representation of movement; tracking both positional location and rotational angles. The embedded tracking components aided with making the ultrasound probe look and feel like the real thing – which increases student immersion and provides a clinically realistic scanning experience. High-quality simulators improve learning outcomes and prepare students for real-world healthcare settings. SonoVision ensures ultrasound technicians across multiple disciplines can gain the skills they need to accurately diagnose patients while using a highly realistic simulator. As the need for ultrasound technicians grows, it is critical to train clinicians to be skilled and knowledgeable.