Newswise — California Pacific Medical Center is proud to unveil our new state-of-the-art Surgical Simulation Education Center, a high tech approach to training surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses in the latest surgical techniques, using computer-controlled mannequins instead of patients.
"For years pilots have trained on flight simulators, practicing their skills and learning new ones, to make flying safer," says Stephen Lockhart, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director of Surgical Services at CPMC. "That's what our new Surgical Simulation Education Center allows us to do, to train our surgical staff in new techniques, and practice how to respond to emergencies, to create an ever-safer environment for our patients."
Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, the Surgical Simulation Education Center uses computer-controlled mannequins to simulate human patients. Operators can change the way the mannequin breathes, increase or decrease its blood pressure and heart rate, alter the size of its pupils, even simulate a reaction to medications or anesthesia. This allows the surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses the opportunity to train for rare but life-threatening emergencies in a simulated environment, so they are better prepared should it happen in the real world.
"This center is going to transform the way that surgical skills are taught and evaluated," says Lockhart. "Right now most surgeons learn their skills through a prolonged training process of residency and fellowship. Having this facility will allow us to help new surgeons learn those skills in a more controlled environment, and to provide opportunities for experienced surgeons looking to learn new techniques."
The Center " developed in partnership with SONY, Storz, METI, Snader, Draeger, and Getinge/Maquet - also creates an environment where companies can introduce and test innovative equipment and technologies, to prove their safety and effectiveness under life-like conditions.
The OR is equipped with ceiling-mounted cameras and recording devices so that as the team goes through the simulated emergencies every detail is being recorded. The video will then be used afterwards in debriefing sessions to analyze how the team responded, what went well and what needs improvement.
The Surgical Simulation Education Center features: "¢ A high-fidelity patient simulator designed for training in anesthesia, respiratory therapy and critical care"¢ An additional simulator, modeled from a unique cast of a real person, that is fully wireless and tether less."¢ Ten operative stations with state-of-the-art OR tables, surgical lights and high-definition endoscopic systems"¢ A link to the first high-definition Operating Room in the U.S. "¢ Distance learning and teaching capability through podcasting and high-definition video conferencing"¢ Disaster Medical Readiness area as well as a debrief room and control room
"At California Pacific our primary focus is patient safety," says Lockhart. "Patient safety is something we work on every day. This new Surgical Simulation Education Center means we can do that in new and innovative ways, and because of its technology we can share those lessons with other physicians and nurses throughout the U.S. and indeed throughout the world."
California Pacific Medical Center. Beyond Medicine.At San Francisco's California Pacific Medical Center, we believe in the power of medicine. We research the most up-to-date treatments, hire the most qualified individuals, and practice the most modern, innovative medicine available. We deliver the highest quality expert care, with kindness and compassion, in acute, post-acute and outpatient services, as well as preventive and complementary medicine. But we also believe that medicine alone is only part of the solution. That's why we look intently at each individual case and treat the whole person, not just the illness. It's why we go beyond medical care and provide our patients with things like disease counseling, family support and wellness treatments. As one of California's largest private, community-based, not-for-profit, teaching medical centers, and a Sutter Health affiliate, we are able to reach deep into our community to provide education, screening and financial support in some of the city's most underserved neighborhoods. Because medicine can transform a body. But going beyond medicine can transform a life. www.cpmc.org
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