Australas Phys Eng S
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Improved technology and higher fidelity are making medical simulations increasingly popular. A simulated peripheral nerve stimulator and thumb actuator has been developed for use with the SimMan Universal Patient Simulator. This device incorporates a handheld control box, a McKibben pneumatic muscle and articulated thumb, and a remote software interface for the simulation facilitator. The system simulates the action of a peripheral nerve stimulator on the ulnar nerve, and the effects of neuromuscular junction blocking agents on the thumb motion.
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Australas Phys Eng S · Jun 2005
Historical ArticleVirtual reconstruction and morphological analysis of the cranium of an ancient Egyptian mummy.
A mummy of an Egyptian priestess dating from the 22nd dynasty (c. 770 BC), completely enclosed in an anthropoid (human shaped) coffin, was scanned on a CT scanner. An accurate reconstruction of the cranium was generated from 115 x 2 mm CT images using AVS/Express on a SGI computer. Linear measurements were obtained from six orthogonal cranial views and used in a morphometric analysis software package (CRANID). ⋯ Thus the technique confirms that the coffin contains an Egyptian female, which is consistent with the inscription on the coffin and the shape of the pelvic bones as revealed by plain X-rays. These results show that this technique has potential for analysing forensic cases where the bones are obscured by soft tissue and clothing. This technique may have an application in virtual autopsies.
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Australas Phys Eng S · Dec 2004
Comparative StudyMotion artefact reduction of the photoplethysmographic signal in pulse transit time measurement.
Motion artefact is a common occurrence that contaminates photoplethysmographic (PPG) measurements. To extract timing information from signals during artefact is challenging. PPG signal is very sensitive to artefacts and can be used in applications like, pulse transit time (PTT) as part of the polysomnographic studies. ⋯ The triaxial accelerometry can be used to detect the presence of artefact on PPG signals. This is useful in PTT measurements when signal contaminated with artefacts are required for further analysis, especially after and during arousals in sleep. The suggested filtering model can then reconstruct these corrupted PPG signals.
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The causes and consequences of a Co-60 radiation accident in Samutprakarn Province, Thailand, were scrutinized to learn lessons aimed at preventing future radiation accidents. "Orphan sources" may end up in scrapyards. An out-of-use Co-60 medical teletherapy source, left unattended in a disused parking area belonging to a Medical Dealer, was stolen and sold to a scrap dealer in Samutprakarn Province at the end of January 2000. Because of its valuable appearance, a number of workers in the scrap trade who were not aware of radiation hazards managed to dismantle all parts. ⋯ The accident is similar in some ways to the 1987 radiation accident at Goiania, Brazil, involving a Cs-137 radiotherapy source. If not properly disposed of orphan radiation sources can lead to serious injury or even death. The accident highlights the need for security of spent high activity sources and the importance of regulatory controls.
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The new European system for the regulation of medical devices is currently being introduced incrementally, having begun in 1993 with a view to completion around the turn of the century. Although still it its relative infancy there has already been valuable experience gained in relation to certain device types. The system is based upon three EC Directives; the first covering active implantable devices is now fully in force; with the second covering most other devices, currently within a transition phase. ⋯ Ongoing improvements to the Guidelines appear to be the best way to try to "level the playing field" across the EEA. Considerable effort continues to be made to fine tune this document with input representing regulatory and industry interests and it is hoped that a second revision may be available next year. Vigilance is gaining popularity as a model for adoption outside the EEA, particularly as it begins to overcome the operational hurdles characteristic of the first "live running" of any new system.