The Cybram 001 (Cybernetic Brain Artery Model) is a teaching device that can be used for training medical students and residents to perform vascular surgery on the brain and neck areas without the dangers associated with practicing on live patients. The transparent plastic body has tubes to simulate the vascular system running from the brain to the groin, a circulating pump that moves fluid from a tank throughout the body as would a heart to imitate blood flow, and openings for the insertion of catheters. A touch screen in the abdomen enables instructors to program the Cybram 001's heart rate and blood pressure to control the pump that circulates the fluid, enabling it to respond as a live patient might in various surgical scenarios, but without the risks.
Catheters can be inserted through one of four openings in the aorta, or through the groin, just as they would be in an operation on a live patient. The students can practice using surgical instruments, gaining valuable experience with them before performing actual procedures on patients. Several optional devices also made of plastic tubing in the shapes of various vascular deformities enable users to safely practice surgical treatment of conditions such as cerebral aneurysms, tumors in the blood vessels, constrictions or other lesions as well as cleaning out blockages in the carotid or vertebral arteries. To further enhance visibility, the tubing is safe to use with contrast agents.
At 10 kilos and 1.7 meters in length, its small size and transparency allow the Cybram 001 to be used in a classroom, a lab, or with angiographic equipment on a radiographic table depending on the needs of the students. It could also provide a chance to practice procedures requiring the use of a fiber-optic camera.
In addition to giving medical students a chance to practice vascular procedures of the head and neck in a no-risk setting, the Cybram 001 is a welcome addition for training nurses and paramedics. Outside the classroom or lab, a patient's family and the patient him- or herself would also find it useful as a tool to promote a better understanding of his or her condition. The Cybram 001 could additionally be used to test medical equipment that is in development.
The Cybram 001 was developed by researchers at Saitama Medical University in Japan in conjunction with the Fuyo Corporation. It has received coverage in tech and medical blogs.
Fran Jablway
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Hulet Smith, OT
