Washington State develops surgery simulation technology
WholeLogic, Inc., a startup company, has received a license for Stage III simulation technology developed by Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine associate professor RD Keegan, allowing the technology to become commercialized for use in veterinary education.
“We’re able to create an immersive environment where students can feel like they are in a surgery room, but we’re not spending $200,000 to do it.”
Stage III is a hybrid simulation technology that trains students and practicing veterinary professionals for high risk procedures in a simulated operating room. Learners develop psychomotor and clinical reasoning skills through the Stage III technology, which integrates a canine manikin and authentic anesthesia equipment with a dynamic computer-based program to control the physiologic patient parameters. The program provides an innovative, first-of-its-kind, interactive veterinary experience.
“We’re able to create an immersive environment where students can feel like they are in a surgery room, but we’re not spending $200,000 to do it,” said Keegan. “The Stage III software is able to integrate with several manikin enhancements, such as heart and lung sounds, palpable pulses, eye reflex sensors, and limb movement all at an affordable price.”
In a typical simulation session, two students function as anesthesia providers for the simulated patient while two other students serve as the role of the surgeons practicing surgical techniques using models that have been inserted into a manikin. From its inception, Stage III technology was designed to be independent of any particular manikin, meaning that the program is compatible with manikins of any species or level of complexity.
