The Weird, Creepy World of Medical Simulation Models

Technology is great. It’s given us TiVo, the George Foreman Grill and a wide array of mannequin and faux body parts that medical students can practice on so that they don’t practice on YOU. But wow, are they creepy. Here are some of the strangest and most nightmare-inducing examples.

Birth Simulator:

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Medical students practicing the birthing process might use the NOELLE Maternal and Neonatal Simulator, which has a removable stomach cover, dilating cervix and multiple vulva for postpartum suturing. It comes with one “birthing baby” (with umbilical cord and placenta) and one newborn. If that’s too extravagant, you can get a working model of just the vaginal area:

Male Catheterization Simulator:

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This simulator teaches students proper positioning of the penis to allow the catheter to pass easily with a minimum of discomfort to the patient. The catheter is inserted into the urethral orifice, passed through the urethra and into the bladder. When the bladder is successfully entered, artificial urine will flow from the catheter.

Geriatric Patient Mannequin:

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The Geri prepares students for working with geriatric patients, since it features an elderly appearance with skin wrinkles and folds. The overall appearance of the mannequin is female; however, removal of the wig and attachment of the male genitals converts it for male examinations.

Buttock Injection Simulator:

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This strap-on simulator is a lifelike model of a right buttock with anatomical landmarks needed for injections. Correctly administered injections produce audiovisual feedback.

Unhealthy Foot Simulator:

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This model teaches about the impact of improper foot care and nutrition on diabetic patients. It includes an invasive wound on the bottom of foot and surface inflammation around the big toe and second toe.

Enema Simulator:

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Students practicing enema procedures can raise the flexible upper buttock to locate and make insertion into the anus. A tube is provided so that the fluid can be drained directly into a large container or sink.

CPR Dog Mannequin:

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CasPeR is designed to teach CPR procedures for canines. It includes nostrils, retractable tongue, moveable jaw, replaceable airway, chest compression resistance and a femoral pulse.

Bedsores Simulator:

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This cast of the buttocks of an elderly patient recreates lifelike decubitus ulcers (AKA bedsores) in the gluteal region. Bonus: also includes necrosis, a fungal infection and herpes.

Head Trauma Simulator:

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Students can learn about numerous head trauma situations with this model, which simulates internal and external bleeding and includes swelling of the tongue and vocal cords.

Prostate Simulator:

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Students studying prostate examination techniques can learn to detect beginning stages of prostate cancer with this simulator. It includes one benign prostate gland and three glands in varying stages of cancer.

Rat Model:

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Techniques for lab rat testing can be perfected with this model that teaches proper handling, feeding, injection and blood collection procedures. The pharynx, larynx, trachea, stomach and tail vein are all anatomically correct.

Dental Mannequin:

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It looks like something out of a horror movie, but this head, fitted with lifelike models of the oral cavity, is used by dental students to practice oral examination and tooth removal/replacement.

Colostomy Simulator:

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A colostomy is a procedure that connects the colon to the abdominal wall, leaving the patient with an opening in the abdomen through with feces exits the body. This simulator helps introduce the essentials of colostomy care to students. Syringes are included to pump materials through the unit. One syringe pumps water — tinted for realism — and the other pumps synthetic stool. The consistency of the stool can be varied by using water to thin the material. Most of the stool can be salvaged and reused.

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