The past few weeks have been busy for Team Valor.  With design day quickly approaching, we have implemented all four tasks (diagnostic/touch, linear tracking, polyp removal, and tubule cannulation) into the newest uterus model and adjusted the interior so it better resembles the uterine cavity.  We are in the process of perfecting the tasks, coding a touchscreen to choose what task to complete and get feedback on progress made, and are working with the machine shop to build a box to keep the surgery simulator self-contained.

We lined the inner walls using pink crafting foam bought from Michael’s.  The pink foam served two important purposes.  The soft foam texture mimics the pliable endometrial tissue that lines the uterus and the pink coloring better matches the color of the tissue than the black plastic used to 3D print the uterus design.  Additionally, the light pink color reflects the light from the hysteroscope light source rather than absorbing it like the black plastic does.  This enables the resident to see the tasks they are attempting to accomplish.

We have purchased an small touchscreen that is compatible with the Arduino connected to the tasks.  The touchscreen will be attached to the Arduino and mounted within eyesight of the uterus model.  We are currently working on code so that the resident can choose what task they would like to complete and then receive feedback as they complete the task.  For example, if the diagnostic/touch task is chosen, as the resident touches the correct targets in order it will display “Good job!” and record the time it took to touch all 5 targets.  The touchscreen will also have a microSD card to store this information so that residents can track their progress over time.

We have also met with Mr. John Fellenstein in the Vanderbilt Machine Shop to create a transparent box to house the entire system.  The box will have two holes in the front face: one that will be flush with the opening of the uterus for the resident to work through, and one for the touchscreen in order to choose the task and see results.  The touchscreen will be mounted on the wall for easy access and in the line of sight of the resident.  The uterus model and Arduino will be mounted inside on the bottom to keep them protected and secure.  There will be one hole in the back face for a wire to come out of the Arduino and plug into a wall or computer for power or software updates.  The top will be open for easy access to the clam-shell uterus model so that the modular components can be easily switched in or out depending on what task is being accomplished.  The transparent polycarbonate material will allow users to see the components but will give it a professional, sleek design.