Abstract
A Sensorized Original Syringe (SOS) was designed for use to improve medical training for Central Venous Catheterization (CVC). The syringe provides a lower cost alternative to the robotic-assisted syringes previously utilized in such training. At the same time, it supports additional CVC training steps, such as the ability to place the guidewire through the needle and proper aspiration (pulling back on the syringe) follow-through. The SOS has been integrated into the Advanced Dynamic Haptic Robotic Trainer (DHRT+) system to train medical residents to safely perform central venous catheterization. An experiment was conducted to identify and compare the forces required by both types of syringes (SOS and robotic assisted) to insert the needle, as well as aspirate. The results illustrated that while the SOS was ergonomically closer to the medical syringe (comparing dimensions and range of motion), the robotic assisted syringe aspiration force and needle insertion force profile were closer to those of the medical syringe and allowed for diversity of force profiles to be trained. This design will be improved by utilizing methods to implement diverse, haptic feedback and improve the realism of aspiration force profiles.
