Training aid for needle biopsy

Abstract

A training aid for teaching fine needle biopsy of the human breast. It provides breast models having lifelike properties providing accurate tactile sensation during palpation of the breast that enable a trainee to learn to locate modeled internal lesions and similar tissues in the breast. These same properties allow learning of tactile sensations indicating relative position and motion of biopsy needles during biopsy needling procedures. To facilitate tactile learning, the breast model includes an opaque skin that blocks the trainee view of a breast cavity containing modeled lesions, ensuring that needling procedures are performed based solely on “feel”. A support such as a stand is provided to retain a breast model during training and to allow viewing of the breast model cavity. Optical elements, such as mirrors or video cameras are used to provide a viewing path to persons separated from a trainee. This allows real-time feedback and instruction to trainees while limiting the trainee's view of breast model internal events. The present invention also includes alternative training methods using a second breast model that is sufficiently transparent to allow viewing of modeled lesions from any relative position. The present invention includes training systems incorporating breast models and viewing stands and methods of training using these aids.