CASS
Computer Airway
Simulation System
The new Virtual reality bronchoscopy simulator
Flexible bronchoscopy is a medical invasive procedure widely used by anaesthesiologists, pulmonologists, critical care physicians, cardiothoracic surgeons and otolaryngologists. Bronchoscopy is especially indicated for diagnosis, biopsy and treatment of lung and airways pathologies and for difficult airway management and intubation.
In order to minimize complications, a deep knowledge in the anatomy of the respiratory tract and good technical skills in fiberscope manipulation are essential.
Virtual reality simulation is an effective and safe method to teach and improve bronchoscopic skills. To promote this type of teaching at a large scale, it is essential to create new high-performing yet affordable VR simulators.
We developed CASS (Computer Airway Simulation System), an ultra-portable, high reality, Tablet based, bronchoscopy simulator to offer physicians realistic virtual exercise possibilities, to improve their expertise in navigating through human airway, and increase knowledge of the airway anatomy.
Several anatomical pathological models have been developed to enable users to train difficult airway scenarios and further improve their skills in difficult airway management.
A new module specifically for thoracic anaesthesia to teach bronchoscopic control of the double lumen tube position has just been released.