The new virtual reality platform would both train medical doctors and assist them while performing regional anesthesia – including so called spinal anesthesia or an epidural, frequently used when women are giving birth and C-sections.
The simulator could prevent possible complications such as post-dural puncture headache, hypotension and total spinal block as well as decrease the onset of block time and falure rates.
Safer for patients
"Patient-specific training and treatment of regional anesthesia provides a safer environment for patients while saving healthcare costs", says Prof. Rolf Rossaint, Leading Anesthesiologist at Uniklinik RWTH Aachen and Vice Rector of RWTH Aachen University.
14 partners from 11 European countries including hospitals, universities and companies are unifying their efforts to develop this medical tool.
The EU is supporting the project through its 7th Framework Program with 3.3 million euros (total cost: over 4.5 million euros).
More info: RASimAs (Regional Anaesthesia Simulator and Assistant)