Superman in a Box
SUPERMAN IN A BOX
RETHINKING ULTRASOUND IMAGING
Douglas Howry, one of the pioneers of ultrasound, had the ultimate goal of producing a more sophisticated instrument that was "in a manner comparable to the actual gross section of structures in the pathology laboratory." Howry's dream is finally becoming a reality with modern technology.
Ultrasound through the years
Over the past 60 years, ultrasound systems (U.S.) have become an essential diagnostic and intervention tool in the medical setting. Current uses range from medical procedures such as performing peripheral nerve blocks, central line placements, and biopsies to diagnose conditions in the heart, breads, and abdomen. Current ultrasound systems represent a two-dimensional view of a cross-section between the probe and the body. Internal anatomy is represented in low-quality shades of white and gray across the sonography.
Current Problems
Training future physicians in ultrasound-guided procedures present a unique set of challenges. Due to a lack of advanced testing instruments in The Simulation Training Center, physicians rely heavily on subjective methods of assessment. There is little infrastructure in place to help medical students properly identify anatomical structures and proper needle placement.
Identification of anatomical structures
Ultrasound Systems provide a two-dimensional view of a cross-section between the probe and the body, whereas humans are used to seeing and understanding three-dimensional view of anatomy. Identifying anatomy from the sonograph presents a challenge and introduces a steep learning curve.
Finding the tip of the needle
When using ultrasound to guide a needle inside the body, similar sonographies might indicate quite different states. Keeping the needle tip in view as the needle is advancing toward the target is difficult. Alongside unintentional probe movement, recognition of the needle becomes a daunting task.
Subjective assessment
When training medical students on proper protocol for ultrasound-guided procedures, they are assessed on a few key criteria. Though, satisfactory completion is mostly left to the physician overlooking each student. Subjective metrics of assessment do not inform students on how to improve their skills, nor give them confidence that they will succeed in the clinical space.
How might we empower physicians to properly train and provide feedback for medical students?
How might we rebuild assessment of ultrasound-guided procedures?
How might we emphasize proper identification of anatomical structures?
Superman In a Box
With years of expertise and experience, Superman in a Box is proud to be regarded as a manufacturing leader. Every decision is inspired by our main mission, which is to provide the highest standard of product and services to both retailers and customers.
In this rapidly changing industry, we’ve realized the importance of continually updating our approach to stay relevant in the market, and are committed to just that. We invite you to browse through our inventory and contact us with any questions.
Objective Learning Metrics
We utilize big data analysis to measure and assess how Superman in a Box is used.
Guidance & Feedback
We collect data to personalize Superman in a Box for each physician. Appropriate guidance is applied as needed.
Readily Deployed
Superman in a Box does not recreate the wheel. Physicians are able to utilize current workflow on top of our product.
Technology
The technology behind the Superman In a Box system.
HoloLens
HoloLens is a mixed reality headset that brings people, places, and objects from the physical and digital worlds together. This blended environment becomes a canvas where we are able to render and manipulate 3D structures.
Ascension trakSTAR
The trakSTAR electromagnetic tracking system provides highly accurate real-time unobstructed tracking of miniaturized sensors embedded into medical tools. The trakSTAR is a desktop unit that connects directly into a main power source and cost-effective integration into phantoms, and ultrasound simulators.
Ultrasound Machine
Ultrasound is sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. Ultrasound devices are used to detect objects and measure distances. Ultrasound imaging or sonography is used in medicine.
Epiphan DVI2USB
The DVI2USB is a high performance USB video grabber for lossless video capture from any device. Including configuration of capture resolution, color space conversion, image scaling and audio resampling for maximum flexibility in professional video capture settings.
Future Directions
This is simply the beginning.
Clinical Use
From training and assessing to saving lives in the thee hospital. Improved versions of the system with accompanying sterile needle can prevent errors in the clinical ward.
Remote Guidance
Leveraging HoloLens's builtin camera, our system can help remote experts see through the perspective of a novice. Moreover, using an Augmented Reality reconstruction of the expert, it can simplify the communication of complex maneuvers.
Back to the outer space!
Superman in a box can be deployed in the International Space Station and future space exploration missions to help non-medical personal perform localized anesthesia.
We are currently in contact with a team of future astronauts from the Mars One project.
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