VetPD, the global leader in high-end, interactive veterinary continuing education, breaks new ground with its state-of-the-art equine simulators. These enable veterinary students, practitioners, and specialists in training to perform ultrasound-guided injection techniques without the need for live animals or unsanitary specimens, and with as many repetitions as are required to gain proficiency in the procedures. The three equine anatomic replicas, in addition to smaller training simulators for ultrasonographic targeting of cysts and foreign bodies, are currently being used in VetPD’s hands-on workshops around the world.
“VetPD’s new equine simulators provide veterinarians with the unique opportunity to practice ultrasound-guided injections in a stress-free environment,” said VetPD course attendee Uwe Heidbrink, Dr.med.vet, Germany. “They make it possible to repeat injections and different approaches as often as needed to become proficient without harming actual live patients.”
The Cervical Facet Joint Simulator is a life-sized equine model of the mid-neck and contains cervical vertebrae C3 – C5inside a self-healing substance. The unit weighs 16lbs (7kg) and measures 20 inches (51cm) high, 14 inches (35cm) wide and 5 inches (12cm) deep.
The Lumbar Facet & Sacroiliac Joint Simulator is a life-sized model of the equine lower back, containing the lumbar vertebrae L2 – L6, sacrum, and iliac bones inside the silicon-based substance. This unit weighs 44lbs (20kg) and measures 32.5 inches (83 cm) long, 18.5 inches (47 cm) wide and 6.5 inches (17 cm) high.
The Hip Joint Simulator is a life-sized model of the equine coxofemoral joint, complete with femoropelvic bones encased in an echogenic, self-healing material. The unit weighs 22lbs (10kg) and is 20 inches (50 cm) long, 12 inches (30 cm) wide and 14 inches (35 cm) high.
All three simulators were custom-designed together with Valkyrie Simulators (https://www.valkyrie-simulators.com) to train ultrasound-guided injection techniques, aiding in the development of hand-eye coordination and needle targeting. Each simulator’s lifespan accommodates thousands of injections.
Valkyrie Simulators was chosen as VetPD’s development partner because of their proven track record in the design of unique medical simulation systems and custom anatomical models for medical institution and medical product suppliers worldwide.
“At the most recent VetPD course I attended, I was able to train ultrasound-guided techniques on VetPD’s innovative equine anatomic simulators,” said equine surgeon Carsten Rohde, Dr. med.vet, MS, DACVS, DECVS, Germany. “VetPD is really taking practicing these important injections to a whole new level!”
In addition to the simulators, VetPD has also developed Cyst Trainers and Foreign Body Trainers. These two smaller devices are both cube-shaped (L: 6 inches [15 cm], W: 4 inches [10 cm] & H: 1.5 inches [4 cm]; 2.5lbs [1.2kg]), and are made of the same echogenic, self-healing material as the simulators. The Cyst Trainer contains several fluid-filled cavities, while the Foreign Body Trainer contains linear and spherical objects of various sizes which are used to train hand-eye coordination and needle targeting.
The Simulators and Trainers have been in development since 2020 with the assistance and support of David Stack, MVB, MSc, DVMS, FHEA, Dipl.ECVS, MRCVS, from the University of Liverpool, UK, and Henk van der Veen DVM, Cert.ISELP, from Lingehoeve Veterinary Medical Clinic, Netherlands.
“We are delighted to have contributed to innovating new methods for training equine ultrasound-guided injections” said Emmanuel Engeli, Med.Vet., Dipl.ACVS, MRCVS, the Founder and CEO of VetPD. “Our anatomic replica simulators eliminate the need for equine specimens, making it possible for equine veterinarians to train these crucial techniques anytime, anywhere, improving animal welfare worldwide.”
By leveraging technology to simulate real-world scenarios, VetPD has not only developed invaluable educational devices, but is contributing to the advancement of veterinary practice worldwide. VetPD expects the simulators to prove popular with veterinary schools, large teaching hospitals, referral centers, and other instructional facilities. They are currently available for purchase on the VetPD website.
The Cervical Facet Joint Simulator Package includes:
- Cervical Facet Joint Simulators (L or R Side)
- Vertebral Bone Sets (L or R Side)
- Carrying Case
- Spinal Needle Samples
The Lumbar Facet & Sacroiliac Joint Simulator Package includes:
- Lumbar Facet & Sacroiliac Joint Simulator
- Lumbosacroiliac Bone Set
- Carrying Case
- Spinal Needle Samples
The Hip Joint Simulator Package includes:
- Hip Joint Simulator
- Femoropelvic Bone Set
- Carrying Case
- Spinal Needle Samples
About VetPD
Founded in 2011, VetPD (Veterinary Professional Development) offers first class continuing education (CE) to veterinarians worldwide. VetPD is the global market leader when it comes to innovative and interactive veterinary CE. Veterinarians attending VetPD courses can expect the ultimate in personalized training from hand-picked, world-renowned speakers and instructors in a practical, collaborative small-group setting.
VetPD’s continuing education benefits practitioners of all levels. However, there is a particular focus on enabling more experienced veterinarians to reach their full potential through:
- Hands-on Practical Courses worldwide with genuine small group teaching of new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques on live animals, simulators, and specimens. These two-day courses provide a total of 13-15 hours of high-end, RACE-approved CE.
- Destination Events which combine bucket-list experiences in amazing locations with high-quality CE.
- Weekly Interactive Online Panel Discussions with internationally recognized key opinion leaders, designed to keep general practitioners and specialists connected at the forefront of veterinary medicine.
- In-Depth Online Lecture Series on a broad range of topics in equine; small animal; and avian, exotic, and small mammal medicine and surgery.
- Custom-Made CE Offerings for 3rd Parties which are fully-branded, on location or online special events for clients such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Dechra, MSD-Merck, and 25+ other groups.
VetPD operates worldwide with offices in the UK, USA, and Australia.
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