Training device preferably for improving a physician's performance in tympanocentesis medical procedures

摘要

A device for training physicians in tympanocentesis is disclosed. The device includes an outer member resembling a side profile of a child's head and shoulder's area. The outer member is attached to a surface portion to define a receiving area for receiving a slidable inner member. A replica of at least an eardrum and ear canal of a child's inner ear is associated with the sliding inner member. A training portion of the inner member supports a simulated inner ear, positions the simulated inner ear to a desired position adjacent the outer ear of the outer member, and acts as a holder for the training cartridges used with the training device. The cartridges simulate the “look and feel” of popping through the tympanic membrane. The cartridges include one or more training areas. Two color distinct training materials are maintained within each training area of the top member of the cartridge. The first training material represents a desired safe puncture area for performing tympanocentesis. A third training material can be disposed within the training areas of a bottom member of the cartridge. If the first training material has been withdrawn the user has successfully positioned the needle into the correct area of the simulated ear, evidencing a proper tympanocentesis procedure. If the second training material has been withdrawn the user has punctured an undesired area. Regardless of whether the first or second training material was initially punctured, if the third training material is withdrawn the user has over punctured the area. Thus, the present invention trains the user in proper location and depth. Once all of the training areas of the cartridge have been used, it is replaced with a new cartridge.