Fusion IP hails ultrasound training simulator

UNIVERSITY spin-out specialist Fusion IP, based in Sheffield, has announced the launch of an ultrasound training simulator.

Medaphor, one of Fusion IP’s Cardiff-based portfolio companies, has unveiled the first of its new ScanTrainers at the British Society for Gynaecological Imaging’s annual scientific meeting in London.

ScanTrainer is designed to bridge the gap between conventional training and the patient, combining the latest generation animation and ‘real-feel’ haptic simulation techniques with curriculum-based interactive learning modules, to provide fast, effective ultrasound training.

The systems offer sophisticated ultrasound learning in a non-clinical environment, solving the current resource conflict between the provision of clinical service and the need to train. The ScanTrainer’s self-directed learning frees up the need for expert direct supervision, making the system highly cost effective.

Priced at £25,000, the new Trans-vaginal ScanTrainer will be available for sale in the UK in May. The company is currently searching for overseas distributors for the system.

MedaPhor plans to launch a range of additional ScanTrainers for the Trans-abdominal and general medical markets, along with a range of gynaecology and obstetrics-based software programmes.

Fusion IP currently owns 36.7% of Medaphor.

David Baynes, chief executive of Fusion IP, said: “This is an exciting time to be a shareholder in MedaPhor, as the company takes its first product to market. We look forward to MedaPhor announcing UK sales of the system and the signing of overseas distributors for ScanTrainer before the end of 2010.”