WISER:
Bronchoscopy Trainer
Through my University of Pittsburgh Bio-engineering Course, Medical Product Design, I have completed design work for the Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation, Education, and Research (WISER).
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As an individual designer, I was responsible for recording all pertinent data regarding necessary design requests and constraints, progressing through the design process, iterating/improving prototypes, manufacture/assembly of the final product, and presentation of my design to WISER.
Pictured is a practice Bronchoscopy in action. The Anatomically correct model is too heavy and expensive for WISER's needs. The home-made initial skills trainer is too simple and invariable for effective scaling of training difficulty.
The design went through several iterations as pictured in these progressive ideation sketches. Each iteration was fueled by feedback and development of more useful prototyping and manufacture processes.
Utilizing 3D Printers and CAD, I developed and produced key parts in the Bronchoscopy Trainer. Most importantly the black cylinders which are key to the variability of my design.
The final design utilizes several techniques of manufacture: Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, and Vacuum Forming. The trainer is made of 1/8th in. hardboard for the base, enclosures, and supports, PLA and Ninjaflex for the 3D prints, Aluminum for the cylinder's axis and includes a timer for a variety of training purposes.
Client Specific Design Constraints:
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Variable Analysis: Trainer is capable of more than one difficulty level.
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Compact and Light: Trainer is small enough to carry easily and able to be stored in residence.
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Breathing Time Constraint: Patient's need for air must be communicated in timing of the trainer.
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Intended Patient: Trainer should be intended to simulate adult bronchoscopy, not pediatric.
Client Recommended Design Measurements:
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Pipe Diameter: Between the diameters of a quarter and a half dollar coin. Should be mostly constant.
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Bronchoscope Length: Ear to Xiphoid Process (18-22 cm)
Final Design Use Breakdown:
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Designate desired difficulty by rotating cylinders. Each index is labelled by a number increasing in magnitude as difficulty of pathway increases.
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Determine the desired goal on the removable goal plate (Carina or Clock)
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Start timer, to track length of time or limit time available.
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Enter fiber-optic camera through the the ellipse shaped hole on the entry box.
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Navigate into the cylinders and through the chosen path.
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Arrive at goal box.