Patent Description:
In the training of medical personnel various medical procedures may be practised or simulated on manikins, simulated patients or standardised patients. The similarity between the practice procedures and real procedures can be increased through the provision of simulated bodily fluid, referred to herein as a bodily fluid analogue.

Typically bodily fluid analogue is provided by either pouring the bodily fluid analogue onto a manikin or into the medical training environment. For example, a bodily fluid analogue for blood may be loaded into a storage space within a manikin, and caused to be discharged through an orifice in the manikin to simulate bleeding.

These methods have the drawback that the bodily fluid analogue flows freely over the manikin or the medical training environment. This increases the amount of time needed to clean up the manikin / medical training environment for re-use compared to practice procedures in which a bodily fluid analogue is not provided. This, in turn, limits the number of practice procedures that can be performed with a given manikin / medical training environment in a given time period.

Additionally, some manikins include electronics which may be damaged if they come into contact with a fluid. If a bodily fluid analogue is used with such a manikin it is necessary to protect the electronics (e.g. by providing a waterproof cover for the electronics, or by providing fluid-absorbing material around the electronics).

The present invention attempts to address some of the drawbacks associated with prior art fluid simulation methods and apparatuses.

<CIT> describes a pseudo human body device which includes, an animal-derived organ having a living tissue and a blood vessel extending from the living tissue, a blood collecting unit which collects blood to be sent to the blood vessel, a tube which connects the blood vessel to the blood collecting unit, a pump unit which is provided along the tube and which sends the blood to the blood vessel from the blood collecting unit, and a housing unit which houses the organ and which sends steam of a temperature higher than a room temperature to the organ to humidify the organ and bring the organ to a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The present invention relates to a fluid simulation apparatus as defined in independent claim <NUM> and to a method of simulating a discharge of body fluid as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

According to a first aspect there is provided a fluid simulation apparatus comprising:.

wherein the fluid simulation apparatus is controllable to cause bodily fluid analogue within the source to be delivered through the conduit to the internal reservoir of the simulation pad so that the bodily fluid analogue is visible to a user through the transparent outer surface in order to simulate a discharge of a bodily fluid onto an incontinence pad.

Optionally, the fluid simulation apparatus comprises a valve configured to control a rate of fluid flow between the source and the simulation pad.

Optionally, the source of bodily fluid analogue comprises a container configured to contain the bodily fluid analogue above the level of the simulation pad, and a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control a rate of fluid flow between the source and the simulation pad.

Optionally, the source of simulated bodily fluid comprises a container configured to contain the bodily fluid analogue, and a pump, wherein the pump is operable control a variable rate of fluid flow between the source and the simulation pad.

Optionally, the container is configured to contain the bodily fluid analogue below the simulation pad.

Optionally, the fluid simulation apparatus further comprises a controller operably coupled to valve and/or pump and configured to vary a rate of fluid flow between the source and the simulation pad.

The controller may comprise a user interface operable by a user to set the rate of fluid flow.

Optionally, the controller is operable to vary a rate of fluid flow between the source of bodily fluid analogue and the simulation pad according to one or more pre-set fluid delivery profiles.

At least one of the pre-set fluid delivery profiles may be configured to deliver the bodily fluid analogue for a limited predetermined duration at a plurality of different fluid flow rates within the predetermined duration.

Optionally, the simulation pad comprises a waterproof base and a cover sealed to the base at a periphery of the cover wherein the internal reservoir is formed between the cover and the base, and wherein the cover comprises the transparent outer surface.

Optionally, a fluid absorbent material is disposed in the internal reservoir of the simulation pad.

Optionally, the fluid absorbent material is removable and/or replaceable from the internal reservoir. Optionally, the fluid absorbent material is reusable.

Optionally, the internal reservoir is openable and closeable to permit removal and/or replacement of the fluid absorbent material and bodily fluid analogue received therein.

Optionally, the source is integral with the simulation pad.

Optionally, the bodily fluid analogue is one of: venous blood analogue, arterial blood analogue, urine analogue, faeces analogue, amniotic fluid analogue, and birthing meconium analogue.

Optionally, the source is charged with the bodily fluid analogue for delivery to the simulation pad.

According to a second aspect there is provided fluid simulation system comprising a fluid simulation apparatus according to the first aspect and a manikin, wherein the manikin is disposed on or adjacent the simulation pad, and wherein the source is optionally provided within the manikin.

According to a third aspect there is provided method of simulating a discharge of bodily fluid using a fluid simulation apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:
controlling a rate at which bodily fluid analogue is delivered from the source to the simulation pad.

Optionally, the method further comprises:
prior to bodily fluid being delivered to the simulation pad, evacuating the simulation pad of gas, for example by vacuum sealing the simulation pad.

Where the method is performed using a fluid simulation apparatus wherein the internal reservoir is openable and closeable to permit removal of the fluid absorbent material and bodily fluid analogue received therein, the method may optionally comprise:.

Where the method is performed using a fluid simulation apparatus wherein the source of bodily fluid analogue comprises a container configured to contain the bodily fluid analogue above the level of the simulation pad, and a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control a rate of fluid flow between the source and the simulation pad, the method may optionally comprise:
arranging the fluid simulation apparatus so that the container is disposed above the level of the simulation pad so that the bodily fluid analogue is biased to flow towards the simulation pad.

Where the method is performed using a fluid simulation apparatus wherein the source of simulated bodily fluid comprises a container configured to contain the bodily fluid analogue, and a pump, wherein the pump is operable control a variable rate of fluid flow between the source and the simulation pad, the method may optionally comprise:
arranging the fluid simulation apparatus so that the container is below the level of the simulation pad.

<FIG> schematically shows a fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> prior to use in simulation a discharge of bodily fluid. The fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> comprises a simulation pad <NUM>. For example, the simulation pad <NUM> may be in the form of a sheet for laying in a medical training environment, such as a rectilinear sheet. The simulation pad <NUM> is fluidly connected to a source <NUM> of bodily fluid analogue via a conduit <NUM>. Examples of bodily fluid analogues suitable for use with in the present invention include venous blood analogue, arterial blood analogue, and urine analogue.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the source <NUM> comprises a fluid container <NUM>, containing a bodily fluid analogue F, suspended at a position vertically higher than the simulation pad <NUM>. A valve <NUM> can be provided, for example within the source <NUM> or in the conduit <NUM>, which is configured to control a rate of fluid delivery from the container <NUM> into the conduit <NUM>, for example by stopping and permitting flow, and permitting flow at a variable controllable flow rate.

In the initial configuration of the fluid simulation apparatus as shown in <FIG>, the valve is configured to stop flow of the bodily fluid analogue, and so all of the fluid F is held within the container <NUM> and no fluid F is within the simulation pad <NUM>.

A controller <NUM> may be operably coupled to the valve to start/stop fluid flow between the controllable fluid source <NUM> and the simulation pad <NUM>, and to vary a rate of fluid flow between the controllable fluid source <NUM> and the simulation pad <NUM>.

In some examples, the controller may be operable to vary a rate of fluid flow between the source of bodily fluid analogue and the simulation pad according to one or more pre-set fluid deliver profiles. At least one of the one or more pre-set routines may define or be configured to cause a plurality of different fluid flow rates of the bodily fluid analogue within a limited predetermined duration of flow delivery.

For example, in the context of a bleeding simulation, there may be an initial period of relatively low flow, followed by a sudden increase in flow associated with heavy bleeding as may be caused by e.g. trauma or uterine atony. The controller may be provided with a user interface <NUM> through which a user may set the rate of fluid flow, select a pre-set flow delivery profile, or modify a routine currently in progress (e.g. to simulate a sudden trauma during a medical training exercise).

In other examples, the valve may be manually operable to control the rate of fluid delivery. For example, in the context of a birth simulation a user (e.g. an instructor) may set the valve to deliver a relatively heavy flow for an initial period to simulate a post-partum haemorrhage. The user may manually operate the valve to reduce the rate of fluid flow in response to mitigation actions taken by a trainee during the birth simulation, e.g. palpitating an abdomen of a manikin/simulated patient or using a 'Bakri balloon'.

<FIG> schematically shows the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> in a second configuration corresponding to a simulation of bodily fluid discharge in progress. Like reference numerals have been retained to indicate the same parts.

In the second configuration, the valve has opened to permit fluid to flow from the container <NUM> through the conduit <NUM> such that a first amount of the fluid F has passed into a first region R1 of the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM>. The first region R1 is proximate a point at which the conduit <NUM> connects to the internal reservoir.

<FIG> schematically shows the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> in a third configuration corresponding to continued discharge of the bodily fluid analogue of fluid simulation. Like reference numerals have been retained to indicate the same parts.

In the third configuration, the valve has been maintained in the same position as in <FIG> and a greater amount of the fluid F has passed from the container <NUM>, through the conduit <NUM> and into the simulation pad such that the bodily fluid analogue extends through a larger second region R2 of the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM>. The second region R2 extends a greater distance than the first region R1 from the point at which the conduit <NUM> connects to the internal reservoir.

In use, the apparatus is oriented or arranged such that the point at which the conduit <NUM> connects to the internal reservoir is proximate the manikin or simulated patient. In some examples, the apparatus may be oriented or arranged such that the point at which the conduit <NUM> connects to the internal reservoir is proximate or adjacent an orifice or wound of the manikin or simulated patient.

<FIG> schematically shows an exploded view of the simulation pad of the simulation apparatus of <FIG>. Like reference numerals have been retained to indicate the same parts.

The simulation pad <NUM> comprises a waterproof base <NUM>. The simulation pad <NUM> further comprises a transparent cover <NUM>, the whole or part of which may be transparent so that the interior of the fluid reservoir is visible through it. The transparent cover <NUM> is joined to the waterproof base <NUM> at a periphery of the transparent cover <NUM>. The transparent cover <NUM> may be permanently joined to the waterproof base <NUM> along some or all of its edges (e.g. by stitching, seaming, gluing, etc,) or may be removably joined to the waterproof base <NUM> (e.g. using hook and loop fasteners, zips, etc.) along some or all of its edges, provided that a watertight seal is formed between the two components. For example, the waterproof base <NUM> and transparent cover <NUM> may be provided by a bag joined at three edges with a sealable fourth edge. The sealable edge may be sealable by heat sealing, for example by a combined vacuum and heat sealing apparatus, or may be provided with a resealable fixing (such as hook and loop fasteners, zips, or a Ziploc (RTM) seal). In some examples, the transparent cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the waterproof base <NUM>.

The transparent cover <NUM> and the waterproof base <NUM> together form the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM>, i.e. a fluid can enter a space between the transparent cover <NUM> and the waterproof base <NUM> through the conduit <NUM>, said fluid being visible to a user through the transparent cover <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the simulation pad <NUM> further comprises a fluid-absorbing pad <NUM> formed of a fluid absorbent material. For example, the fluid-absorbing pad <NUM> could be an off-the-shelf incontinence pad. The fluid-absorbing pad <NUM> is configured to absorb fluid that is released into the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM> in use. Said fluid is consequently dispersed slowly from the point at which the conduit joins the simulation pad <NUM> through the internal reservoir (i.e. compared to simulation pads that do not include a fluid-absorbing pad) in a way that may visually mimic the spread of discharged bodily fluid in a medical training environment.

Further, the fluid-absorbing pad <NUM> prevents fluid from flowing freely within the internal reservoir, for example collecting in pools and moving around as the simulation pad is re-positioned. The free flow of fluid within the internal reservoir detracts from the accuracy of fluid simulation, as fluid does not flow in this way when discharged into a medical training environment or onto an incontinence pad, as is typically provided in surgery or other medical procedures (such as childbirth). In examples where a fluid-absorbing pad <NUM> is not present, the viscosity of the bodily fluid analogue can be selected such that the spread of fluid within the internal reservoir visually mimics the appearance of fluid from a patient being absorbed into an incontinence pad.

In some examples the simulation pad <NUM> is openable and closeable, for example by separating the transparent cover <NUM> from the waterproof base <NUM> along at least one side, or entirely removing the transparent cover <NUM> from the waterproof base <NUM>. In such examples, the provision of a fluid-absorbing pad <NUM> improves the ease with which the simulation pad <NUM> can be cleaned prior to re-use, as the fluid absorbing pad <NUM> tends to absorb the fluid within the internal reservoir and can be easily removed from the internal reservoir and emptied of fluid (e.g. by wringing it out over a sink or drain to expel the absorbed fluid). Once all the absorbed fluid has been expelled, the fluid-absorbing pad <NUM> can be reinserted into the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM> for re-use. Alternatively, the fluid-absorbing pad <NUM> can simply be discarded and replaced with a fresh fluid-absorbing pad.

<FIG> schematically shows a detailed view of the point at which the conduit <NUM> of the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> connects to the internal reservoir of the fluid simulation pad <NUM>.

An end of the conduit <NUM> comprises a first half <NUM> of a releasable connector. The simulation pad <NUM> comprises a short length of tubing <NUM> extending from the internal reservoir, between the waterproof base and transparent cover, to an exterior of the simulation pad <NUM>. The tubing <NUM> has a first end in fluid communication with the internal reservoir, and a second, opposing end in fluid communication with the exterior of the simulation pad. A portion of the tubing <NUM> between the first and second ends is sealed in a fluid-tight relationship between the waterproof base and the transparent cover.

The second end of the tubing <NUM> comprises a second half <NUM> of a releasable connector. The second half <NUM> is correspondingly shaped with respect to the first half <NUM>, such that when the first half <NUM> is engaged with the second half <NUM>, a fluid flow path is formed between the conduit <NUM> and the tubing <NUM>. Therefore, when the first half <NUM> of the releasable connector is engaged with the second half <NUM>, fluid may flow from the conduit <NUM>, to the second end of the tubing <NUM>, through the tubing <NUM>, and into the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM>.

The first half <NUM> and second half <NUM> of the releasable connector each include respective internal valves configured to permit fluid flow when the first half <NUM> is engaged with the second half <NUM>, and to inhibit fluid flow when the first half <NUM> is not engaged with the second half <NUM>. This arrangement ensures that no fluid flows out of the internal reservoir through the tubing <NUM> when the first half <NUM> of the releasable connector is disengaged from the second half <NUM>. This, in turn, enables the simulation pad <NUM> to be quickly weighed after use.

A weight measurement can be used to determine a volume of fluid within the simulation pad <NUM>. The proficiency of a trainee practising a surgery can be assessed based on the volume of fluid within the pad (said fluid corresponding to the volume of fluid notionally lost by a patient).

<FIG> schematically shows a detailed view corresponding to the view of <FIG> when the first half <NUM> of the releasable connector has been engaged with the second half <NUM> of the releasable connector.

A further fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> which does not embody the invention is shown in <FIG> in an initial configuration prior to commencement of fluid discharge simulation. The fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> comprises a dispenser <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> contains a roll of sheet material (one end of which is shown at <NUM>) arranged to rotate about an axis X to feed out the sheet material. The sheet material is configured to have the appearance of a discharge of bodily fluid on a surface. For example, the sheet material may be printed with a graphic having the appearance of a discharge of bodily fluid in a discharge pattern that mimics the appearance of a bodily fluid discharged onto a substrate. A controller <NUM> is connected to a motor unit <NUM> which is configured to rotate the roll of fluid-simulating material about the X-axis.

<FIG> shows the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> in a second configuration corresponding to a fluid discharge simulation in progress. Like reference numerals have been retained to indicate the same parts.

The controller <NUM> operates the motor unit <NUM> to rotate the roll of sheet material about to feed out an area of sheet material. The area of fed out material comprises a fluid simulation pattern P that mimics the visual appearance of a bodily fluid when absorbed into an incontinence pad during surgery. The pattern P may be formed on the material, for example using paints or inks. Alternatively, the sheet material may comprise a base substrate and a further material provided on the substrate to provide the pattern P. For example the further material may be a translucent layer (optionally coloured to simulate blood or another material), a foam, fluid or gel captive between layers of the sheet material. The further material may provide a visual colour contrast with the material of the substrate.

The controller <NUM> may be programmed with various pre-set sheet feeding profiles corresponding to simulated surgical procedures. Each sheet feeding profile may define an associated area of fluid-simulating sheet material to be fed out and/or an associated rate at which the fluid-simulating sheet material is to be fed out. Each sheet-feeding profile may comprise programmed instructions which cause the controller <NUM> to operate the motor unit <NUM> at predetermined times following receipt of a start command. Alternatively or additionally, the scenarios may be selectively modifiable by a user in real-time (e.g. by an instructor, in order to simulate a sudden trauma during a simulated surgery). A user interface may be provided on the controller <NUM> to facilitate the selection and/or modification of scenarios by a user, and the input of the start command.

In some examples, a support frame may be provided comprising a support surface to support the manikin/simulated patient with which the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> is to be used. The support frame may create a gap beneath the support surface, such that the fluid-simulating sheet material passes through the gap when being fed out.

This arrangement has the advantage that the fluid simulating apparatus <NUM> can be visually concealed beneath the support surface. This arrangement has the further advantage that the fluid-simulating sheet material does not get trapped between the manikin/simulated patient and the surface below the manikin/simulated patient when being fed out.

<FIG> schematically shows a block diagram illustrating steps of a method <NUM> of simulating a discharge of a bodily fluid. The method is suitable to be carried out with respect to the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> above, and will be described with reference to components of that apparatus using the same reference numerals. Steps <NUM>-<NUM> are considered optional as will become apparent from the following description.

Step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises evacuating the simulation pad <NUM> of gas. This may include vacuum sealing the simulation pad <NUM>.

Step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises charging the source <NUM> with a bodily fluid analogue. In some examples, however, the source <NUM> may be provided pre-charged with a bodily fluid analogue.

In some examples, the container of the source <NUM> may require arranging at a suitable position either above or below the simulation pad. Step <NUM> of the method comprises arranging the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> so that the container is disposed above or below the level of the simulation pad <NUM>. When the container is disposed above the simulation pad <NUM>, gravity may be relied upon to provide the motive force by which the bodily fluid analogue is delivered to the simulation pad. When the container is disposed below the simulation pad <NUM>, a pump may be provided to pump the bodily fluid analogue to the simulation pad.

Step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises causing bodily fluid analogue within the source to be delivered through the conduit <NUM> to the simulation pad <NUM>. This can be carried out through the opening of a valve between the source <NUM> and the simulation pad <NUM>, or through the activation of a pump, for example.

Step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises controlling a rate at which bodily fluid analogue is delivered through the conduit <NUM> to the simulation pad <NUM>. This can be done through the controlling of a valve between the source <NUM> and the simulation pad <NUM> (for example manually or by a controller executing a pre-set fluid delivery profile), or through the controlling of a pump.

<FIG> schematically shows a block diagram illustrating steps of a method <NUM> of preparing a fluid simulation apparatus for re-use following the performance of a method of simulating a discharge of a bodily fluid. The method is suitable to be carried out with respect to the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> above, and will be described with reference to components of that apparatus using the same reference numerals. The method is suitable for execution following performance of the method <NUM> of simulating a discharge of a bodily fluid described above with respect to <FIG>. In such cases, it may be considered a continuation of the method <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the method <NUM> may be considered to be a separate, discrete method.

Step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises opening the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM>. For example, a re-sealable edge of the simulation pad <NUM> may be opened, or a permanently sealed edge may be cut open for subsequently re-sealing (for example by heat sealing at another position).

After step <NUM>, step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises removing the fluid absorbent material, e.g. the fluid absorbent pad <NUM>.

After step <NUM>, step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises removing the bodily fluid analogue to clean the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM>. This step may comprise draining the bodily fluid analogue from the internal reservoir, pumping the bodily fluid analogue from the internal reservoir, and/or washing the bodily fluid analogue from the internal reservoir (e.g. using a hose). Further, in this step the fluid absorbent material may be wrung out or otherwise manipulated to expel absorbed bodily fluid analogue therefrom.

After step <NUM>, step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises inserting a fluid absorbent material within the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM>. This step could comprise re-inserting the fluid absorbent material that was previously removed from the internal reservoir (e.g. after the bodily fluid analogue has been expelled from the fluid absorbent material), or this step could comprise inserting a fresh piece of fluid absorbent material within the internal reservoir of the simulation pad <NUM>.

After step <NUM>, step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises closing the internal reservoir. This step may comprise, for example, closing the internal reservoir by vacuum sealing.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above-described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

For example, while the fluid absorbent material is provided as a single pad in the embodiment of <FIG>, the fluid absorbent material may alternatively be provided as multiple pads, or in other forms (e.g. fluid absorbent strips, cells, balls, etc.).

As a further example, while the source is shown as being a separate component of the apparatus in <FIG>, in other examples the controllable fluid source could be integrally formed with the simulation pad.

As a yet further example, while the source has been shown as a fluid container suspended above the simulation pad in the apparatus of <FIG>, in other examples the fluid container could be located below the simulation pad. In such examples, the fluid could be pumped from the fluid container to the simulation pad using a pump (e.g. a hand pump or an electric pump). In such examples, the rate of fluid flow from the fluid container to the simulation pad could be varied by varying the pump rate.

The source in the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises only a single fluid container. However, in some examples, multiple fluid containers may be provided, each containing a different bodily fluid analogue. Each fluid container may be connected to a common manifold in fluid communication with the conduit <NUM>, with a respective valve disposed between each fluid container and the manifold. The controller <NUM> may be operably coupled to each valve to start/stop fluid flow between the respective fluid container and the conduit <NUM>, and to vary a rate of fluid flow between the respective fluid container and the conduit <NUM>, to sequentially supply different bodily fluid analogues to the simulation pad <NUM>.

For example, a first fluid container may contain amniotic fluid analogue, a second container may contain a urine fluid analogue, a third container may contain a faeces fluid analogue, a fourth container may contain an arterial blood analogue, a fifth container may contain a birthing meconium analogue, and a sixth container may contain a venous blood analogue. To simulate birth, the controller <NUM> may initially operate a first valve associated with the first fluid container to flow amniotic fluid analogue to the simulation pad <NUM> to simulate a patient's water breaking. Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may operate the first valve to stop the flow of amniotic fluid to the simulation pad <NUM> and operate a second valve associated with the second fluid container and a third valve associated with the third fluid container to flow urine fluid analogue and faeces fluid analogue to the simulation pad <NUM> to simulate urinary and faecal discharge commonly encountered during childbirth. Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may operate the second and third valves to stop the flow of urine fluid analogue and faecal fluid analogue to the simulation pad <NUM>, and operate a fourth valve associated with the fourth fluid container to flow arterial blood analogue to the simulation pad <NUM> to simulate normal blood loss commonly encountered during childbirth. Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may operate the fourth valve to stop the flow of arterial blood analogue to the simulation pad <NUM>, and operate a fifth valve associated with the fifth fluid container to flow birthing meconium analogue from the fifth fluid container to the simulation pad <NUM> to simulate birthing meconium normally encountered when a child transits the birth canal. Subsequently, the controller may operate the fifth valve to stop the flow of birthing meconium analogue to the simulation pad and operate a sixth valve associated with the sixth fluid container to flow venous blood analogue to the simulation pad <NUM> to simulate a post-partum haemorrhage. In other examples, some or all of the valves may be instead operated manually.

The present invention is suitable for use in any medical training environment. Examples of such environments include operating tables and hospital beds. Further examples include battlefields and ambulances.

In the preceding, various bodily fluid analogues are described as 'fluids'. This term is intended to cover both liquids and liquids with entrained solid particles. For example, in some cases such as venous blood analogue the fluid may be interspersed with solid or semi-solid portions to simulate blood clots. simulation pad <NUM> to simulate a post-partum haemorrhage. In other examples, some or all of the valves may be instead operated manually.

While the dispenser shown in <FIG> fully encloses the roll of fluid-simulating sheet material, in other examples the dispenser may only partially enclose, or not may not enclose, the roll of fluid-simulating sheet material. In some examples, the dispenser may merely support each end of the roll of fluid-simulating sheet material.

While the fluid simulation apparatus <NUM> has been described with respect to a roll of fluid-simulating sheet material being rotated to be fed out, other dispensing mechanisms are envisaged that could be operated by the motor unit <NUM>. For example, a winch could be operated by the motor unit <NUM>, with a cable of the winch being attached to a distal end of the fluid-simulating sheet material, such that, as the cable is wound onto the winch, the distal end of the fluid-simulating sheet material is progressively pulled away from the dispenser <NUM> to feed out the fluid-simulating sheet material. In this arrangement, the fluid-simulating sheet material need not be provided as a roll. Instead, the fluid-simulating sheet material could be folded or pleated (e.g. in a concertina arrangement) into an initial retracted configuration. The fluid-simulating sheet material may be fed out from the retracted configuration by pulling on one end of the fluid-simulating sheet material to progressively unfold it.

Claim 1:
A fluid simulation apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a simulation pad (<NUM>) having an internal reservoir, the simulation pad comprising at least one transparent outer surface through which a portion of the internal reservoir is visible;
a source (<NUM>) configured to contain a bodily fluid analogue (F); and
a conduit (<NUM>) fluidly connecting the source to the internal reservoir of the simulation pad;
wherein the fluid simulation apparatus is controllable to cause bodily fluid analogue within the source to be delivered through the conduit to the internal reservoir of the simulation pad so that the bodily fluid analogue is visible to a user through the transparent outer surface in order to simulate a discharge of a bodily fluid onto an incontinence pad.