University of Limeric, Ireland, is developing a training simulator that will help medical staff to learn the delicate procedure of spinal anaesthesia.

Spinal anaesthesia is a form of regional anaesthesia where the effect is obtained by injecting of a local anaesthetic into the spine (cerebrospinal fluid, more precisely). It is sometimes preferred to a complete anaesthesia when there is a reason for fear of post-operative complications. Safely performing this operation shows to be a major concern, as anaesthetists run the risk of damaging a patient's spinal column or the blood vessels that serve it.

The simulator uses haptic technology and 3D visualization. In addition of being able to view a 3D map of the area while simultaneously positioning the needle, the trainee also gets a physical response as the skin tension felt by the practitioner at the point the needle is inserted is being recreated. If the injection is not carried out correctly, the trainee receives immediate audio and visual feedback.

Scientists expect this project to be a breakthrough in the process of teaching spinal anaesthesia. The development is currently halfway through, and is expected to be finished within three years.

[ via Medgadget and BBC ]