In our aspiration simulator we use our supplemented visible human data to simulate the response of passing the needle through each tissue, including the synovial cavity. The data is derived from analysing cadavers that have been encased in gelatine and frozen into a block. The cadavers are then milled away in millimetre or sub-millimetre increments and the remaining block is digitally photographed. By repeating the procedure and assembling the digital photographs in a virtual environment, researchers create a volume of realistic anatomy. This technology allows researchers at CHS to significantly extend the realism of virtual anatomy.
Simulators can provide the experience of a lifetime within the confines of a course.
The Visible Human finally brings health care procedure simulation to an acceptable level of reality. Examples include arthroscopy and ophthalmic surgery. In arthroscopy the physician generally places a scope and a tool into a joint through separate portals. They must manoeuvre the tool to manipulate the anatomy while simultaneously maintaining an adequate view through the scope. Visible Human type data offers the opportunity to produce the virtual environment of the knee at a suitable resolution.