Reducing Fetal and Maternal Mortality in Developing Countries Through Simulation-Based Training for Emergency Cesarean Section

Operative Experience, Inc. has pioneered unique, simulation-based methods to teach major surgical operations and currently trains military physicians and combat medics in critical trauma procedures. We propose to utilize our methods to teach healthcare providers in underserved areas to perform emergency cesarean sections. Our system is based on video demonstration of operative procedures using physical models of unprecedented anatomical and surgical accuracy. The models consist of artificial tissues that can be cut, dissected, retracted and sutured using standard surgical instruments. The trainee practices the operation on the simulator with a mentor until proficient in the techniques of the procedure.