Patient simulation technology gets US patent

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Simbionix USA Corporation, the world's leading provider of medical education and simulation training, has been granted a US patent for its patient specific simulation product, the PROcedure Rehearsal Studio (PRS). This follows a similar patent granted in the United Kingdom and is the first such patent ever granted in the United States.

The PROcedure Rehearsal Studio is a first in industry product, which utilizes revolutionary technology, developed by Simbionix, to allow physicians to rehearse a complete endovascular procedure on a virtual 3D anatomical model based on a specific patient's CT data. The virtual model may then be used for the purpose of simulating, analyzing and evaluating preoperative surgical treatment options prior to performing the actual procedure, which may increase physician's confidence in the upcoming procedure. Once the 3D model has been exported to the Simbionix ANGIO Mentor simulation environment, the physician can practice numerous times to evaluate different techniques, while using true-to-life tools and endografts.

The patent was granted on Simbionix's concept and proprietary core technology used in order to simulate an image guided angioplasty procedure based on input from a patient's 3D medical image, allowing a hands-on planning and rehearsal experience. Unique to Simbionix simulation systems, the 3D segmentation model can be exported to the Simbionix ANGIO Mentor practice environment. The results are an advanced method of creating an ever expanding library of unique clinical case studies for training and post-operative debriefing. The patent also covers various broad uses for the technology including use in DICOM format, use of 4D data, use as a study case (i.e. post-operative use), and demonstration of a planned procedure to a patient, among others.