Partial Task Training Arm (PTT-ARM)

U.S. Military Operations identified that there was a need for effective trauma training. IVIR recognized the need for a more life-like part-task trainer and created a upper extremity human replica for trauma training.

Sponsor:

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM-STTC)

Award Date:

April, 2009

Contract #:

W91CRB-09-C-0500

Status:

Delivered

The Partial Task Training IV/Orthopedic/Tourniquet Arm (PTT-Arm) research and development (R&D) project was to develop an advanced orthopedic, physiologically modeled, high fidelity human arm partial task trainer, capable of pronation and supination with end effectors to execute three functional areas:

Orthopedic injury immobilization
Hemorrhage control
IV administration

The development began with realistic anatomical designs, including:

Realistic bone structure
Realistic muscle groups
Realistic arteries and veins
Hemorrhage control system
Fascia layer
Realistic overlaying skin (replaceable)
Breakaway wrist to simulate a broken wrist if too much force is applied during extrication

Physiological Models

The PTT-Arm also incorporated physiological models derived from the University of Mississippi’s open source physiological modeling program, HumMod. The models are displayed on a tablet computer and are designed to show the effects of hemorrhage and IV fluid resuscitation, including heart rate and blood pressure changes.

All three versions effectively satisfied a need.

Three versions of the PTT-Arm were created:

Version A – a surgical version made with bio-realistic, live-tissue replacement materials
Version B – a durable version that allows for rough handling and can be attached to a mannequin
Version C – an advanced mechanical version that includes multiple electro/mechanical end effectors and fits between versions A and B in regards to realism and durability, respectively

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