Neck venous and arterial examination teaching instrument

Abstract

A simplified teaching instrument for diagnostic training in conditions of the human heart that employs only the senses of the practitioner to observe and palpate physical movement in simulated veins and arteries. Interchangeable cams with undulating surfaces represent the pulsation wave forms of the jugular vein and carotid artery known to result from normal and abnormal heart behavior during heart beat cycles. The cams are rotated by a variable speed motor to provide simulation of different heart beat rates. The undulating surface of the arterial cam bears directly against a resilient membrane causing it to flex and provide tactile manifestation of arterial pulses. The cam surface of the venous cam, through a follower, causes expansion and contraction of a liquid filled tube for visual simulation of jugular vein pulses. The instrument is also provided with indicator lights to represent heart sounds and murmurs associated with the heart conditions being demonstrated.

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