Click on Image to View ASTEC as Part of the
University of Arizona's "Discover" Initiatives |
A patient is rushed into the emergency room suffering from multiple injuries. Doctors must work quickly, making split-second decisions. Before facing this scenario in real life, doctors-in-training at The University of Arizona College of Medicine practice life-saving skills in the new high-tech Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center (ASTEC). To reduce errors, medical simulation technology offers opportunities for health care providers to perform all types of medical and surgical procedures without risk to patients. ASTEC has partnered with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to develop a new system so future surgeons can hone their skills in laparoscopic surgery before stepping foot in the operating room. |
Current Events and ASTEC in the News
|
New Technology Trains Surgeons for 'Operation'
October, 2009 |
Under the leadership of Dr. Jerzy Rosenblit, head of the Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering (ECE), graduate students continue to collaborate with ASTEC on the development if a prototype bi-manual surgical-assisted laparoscopic trainer that has now entered it’s fourth generation. The goal is to bridge the gap between virtual reality simulators and pelvic trainers to achieve a fully integrated training system for minimally invasive surgery. A Situational Awareness Enhancing System (SAES) has been developed by utilizing multiple sensors and computerized processing technology on real surgical instruments. Since the implementation of SAES utilizes real instruments, it can be used to support real operating room procedures, including real time sensor fusion, run-time surgery guidance, and emergency safety reinforcement. The SAES provides a high fidelity training environment, as well as objective performance assessment capabilities that can measure a trainee’s progress in acquiring psychomotor skills.
Click here to read a recent article on the updated version of the Computerized Assisted Surgical Trainer (CAST) located in ASTEC. |
Demonstration of the CAST System located in ASTEC
|
|
ASTEC Provides an Alternative to Using Animate-Based Simulation Training for an Intensive Laparoscopic Residency Training Course |
| August, 2009 |
Residents get a feel for the instruments and practice suturing
in the Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center
(ASTEC), above, before attempting advanced laparoscopic procedures in the operating room.
|
ASTEC is playing an integral part in the Department of Surgery’s Intensive Laparoscopic Training Course for Surgery Residents. Each surgery resident receives five hours of simulation training in ASTEC before moving on to training in the operating room. First through fourth-year residents practiced minimally invasive surgery techniques using ASTEC's artificial tissue models and the latest surgical technology, thanks to grants and equipment donations from industry partners Covidien, Karl Storz, and Berchtold. The aim of this course, which will be held every other month, is to provide the highest quality advanced training in minimally invasive procedures, resulting in fewer surgical errors and faster healing for patients.
Click here for the full story in the UA Department of Surgery's Newletter. |
| |
|
|
Third Year Medical Students Learn Peripheral IV Skills as Part of the Newly Developed Curriculum for Academic Year 2009 - 10
July, 2009 |
As part of the newly added transition block ASTEC provided a Peripheral Intravenous Workshop for the 90 medical students entering their thrid year in the College of Medicine. The workship provided an opportunity to repeatedly practice the full procedure using simulated tissue developed by ASTEC as well as a separate station available for those who were interested in practicing on each other. Click here to view the full curriculum provided by ASTEC on a regular basis. |
View of Artificial Tissue Station for IV Placement
|
|
|
Demonstration of life-like flash and blood flow using ASTEC Peripheral IV Artificial Tissue Model
|
High Schoolers Get Taste of Medical School
June, 2009 |
ASTEC was an integral part of the Arizona Telemedecine Tele-Health Institute High School Summer Fellowship Program, which provides students with an opportunity to participate in a unique and challenging educational experience in the environment of a medical college during the summer. High School Students were able to experience an early glimpse into the world of medical simulation education and its impact on there pursuit of a medical degree. Click here to view the entire article on this exceptional program. |
|
ASTEC staff David Biffar instructs T-Health
high school students on basic airway management skills
|
| |
|
|
ASTEC Obtains Laerdal MegaCode Kid™ Through a Grant Submitted by the UMC Foundation
April, 2009 |
 |
In conjunction with the UMC Foundation ASTEC secured a grant for a Laerdal MegaCode Kid™ for pediatric advanced life support skills in pre-hospital emergencies. The mannequin comes equip with interchangeable trauma limbs and is extremely mobile for off-site simulations. |
|
ASTEC Has Another Year as a Major Contributor for the Inter Professional CPR Training
March, 2009 |
ASTEC was a major part of the success of the second annual advanced life support resuscitation training held simultaneously with the College of Medicine, College of Nursing and College of Pharmacy as part of the Office of Continuing Medical Education Interprofessional Sessions. The simulation training focused on team dynamics and involved 240 students and 25 faculty members from all three colleges. ASTEC operated out of two separate locations providing resources for 75% of participating students and faculty.
|
 View of Medical Students Particpating in a Mock Code for Work on Team Dynamics
|
|
All contents
© 2005 Arizona Board of Regents. All rights reserved. The
University of Arizona is an EEO/AA - M/W/D/V Employer.
|
|
