We have found that the current tools used to train medical students in tympanic examination are not adequate. They are generally 2D images of eardrums that do not allow differentiation of the different pathologies or understanding of the gestures to be performed.

Patient-based training is also not possible on a large scale for ethical and organizational reasons. Also it is preferable that the first patient examination not be the first otoscopy performed by the student.

TYMPANO-Train, ideal for training in the examination of multiple tympanic pathologies with an otoscope

TYMPANO-train is a range of simulators designed in partnership with practitioners from APHP and Paris University, ideal for training to identify different pathologies of eardrum (otitis, cholesteatoma, perforation …) using an otoscope.

The TYMPANO-Train simulators are complete and represent the entirety of the anatomical elements essential for the proper training of students, physicians and pediatricians.

The models are included three distinct parts:

A complete simulation environment

  1. An anatomical base on an articulated arm

Composition

  • Articulated arm
  • External ear
  • Carotid artery
  • Sigmoid vein
  1. Two cochlea blocks available

Composition:

  • Facial nerve
  • Colored cochlea

The cartridge is available in two versions:

  • A transparent version to better visualize the facial nerve and the cochlea
  • A bone-colored version to be coupled with the perforated eardrums.

A choice of 31 eardrum cartridges

Composition:

  • Bones
  • Tympanum
  • Ossicles
  • Tensor muscle of the malleus and stapes
  • Tympanic cord

The non-pathological eardrum is used to practice the paracentesis exercise.

The 30 pathological ones are classified according to 3 levels of diagnosis (presented below), each represented by a color code:

  • Yellow: Level 1
  • Magenta: Level 2
  • Cyan: Level 3

Simulators adapted to your level for personalized learning

The diversity of our TYMPANO-Train simulators allows practitioners to choose from about thirty interchangeable tympanic pathologies, each associated with a specific difficulty level. The difficulty is related to the practitioner’s level of study and profession.

We will provide you with a grid of correspondence between eardrums and pathologies : ideal for practicing and creating simulation exercises!

Pathological eardrums available:

EARDRUM NUMBERPATHOLOGY BY LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
0Normal tympanum. Level 1
1Posterior inflammatory cholesteatoma. Level 2
2Posterior congenital cholesteatoma. Level 2
3Posterior inflammatory cholesteatoma 2. Level 2
4Attical cholesteatoma (polyp). Level 3
5Hemotympanum. Level 2
6Medium acute otitis 1. Level 1
7Medium acute otitis 2. Level 1
8Medium acute otitis 3. Level 1
9Medium acute otitis 4. Level 1
10Medium acute otitis 5. Level 1
11Medium acute otitis 6. Level 1
12Medium acute otitis 7. Level 1
13Seromucosal otitis 1. Level 1
14Seromucosal otitis 2. Level 1
15Seromucosal otitis 3. Level 1
16Seromucosal otitis 4. Level 1
17Seromucosal otitis 5. Level 1
18Anteroinferior myringosclerosis. Level 1
19Subtotal myringosclerosis. Level 1
20Myringosclerosis & Anteroinferior Perforation 1. Level 1
21Myringosclerosis & Anteroinferior Perforation 2. Level 1
22Posterior perforation. Level 1
23Lower perforation. Level 1
24Anterior perforation. Level 1
25Single posterior retraction pocket. Level 3
26Posterior retraction pocket with incudopexy. Level 3
27Posterior retraction pocket with incudo-promontopexy. Level 2
28Shrapnell retraction pocket. Level 3
29Shepard type trans-tympanic aerator. Level 1
30Trans-tympanic aerator type T-tube. Level 1

Technical specifics of 3D surgery simulators

a comprehensive and realistic range of simulators

Practice on 30 interchangeable pathological eardrums

For a level of diagnosis appropriate to your specialty

Make custom templates from your specifications or patient data

Use your patients’ DICOM data.

Define our catalog templates to create templates that fit your needs

Your custom template from a standard template.

Practice on multi-material simulators

For a close-to-real rendering that respects the texture of each human body tissue.

Practice on an anatomical stand on articulated arm

For a simulation replicating the patient’s position.

Discover our range of surgical simulators for different specialties.

Photo, video, & article resources

Watch the video
How to perform an examination with TYMPANO-Train
Watch the video
How to install a TYMPANO-Train simulator
How to perform an examination with TYMPANO-Train

Frequently asked questions

What is the origin of TYMPANO-Train?

The TYMPANO-Train project was set up in collaboration with the University of Paris (ILumens health simulation department, Saints-Pères site) and the APHP (Necker-Enfants Malades hospital). The University of Paris wished to propose an innovative educational offer to medical students by integrating the use of 3D printed simulators for ENT teaching.

How was TYMPANO-Train developed?

In order to ensure all its relevance, the project was carried out in collaboration with an expert ENT surgeon, Dr François Simon (Necker-Enfants Malades hospital, APHP). Engineers of BONE3D, specialists in the development of simulators, worked on the project, as well as the production team (2 people).

The main stages of development were :

  • Segmentation of medical imagery to extract a 3D geometry of the ear (middle & inner)
  • The creation of 30 types of pathological eardrums from photos provided by the expert surgeon
    3D printing of the model using Polyjet 3D printing technology.
  • Test sessions and exchanges with the expert surgeon allowed to iterate to develop the models.
Why should I use TYMPANO-Train for my trainings?

TYMPANO-Train makes it possible to perform a complete examination of the eardrum and to perform a paracentesis (incision of the eardrum), a common procedure in ENT for the treatment of ear infections.

What are the limits of 3D printing?

Our team of engineers systematically performs a feasibility study beforehand to evaluate each project: we have the ability to tell you if 3D printing is the best solution (compared to machining or other).

We are totally transparent about our ability to meet your expectations.