Lecat's Ventriloscope

Features:

Benefits:

Technical Advantages:

Simulates ANY sound wirelessly,
ANYwhere on the patient or mannequin

Not limited by location of speakers
on mannequin for added
realism and ease of use

(This is not your father’s radio transmitter….)

Not limited acoustically by transmission through rubber "skin"

The Ventriloscope uses a sophisticated, cutting edge communications chip:

Acoustically realistic sound is received through stethoscope tubing, as in real life, not through a speaker or earphone

This chip operates in the ISM band, reserved for industry, science, and medicine, at approximately 2.4 GHz

 Allows students to train each other and learn twice, saving instructor time

Uses radio frequency instead of less reliable Infra Red transmission

Infra Red does not allow transmission unless the two units are actually visible to each other (cannot be concealed behind opaque barriers and may not work when close to the body, etc.)

The chip automatically selects the clearest open frequency, so the danger of interfering with other devices is minimal.  Likewise, other devices have minimal chance of interfering with the chip

Our Device is CE and FCC approved

Can play multiple sounds over the same area on patient or mannequin

Realistic in pneumonia for
example. Hear crackles and then egophony, whispered pectoriloquy, bronchophony, etc. over the  same area of consolidation

It transmits on two different channels simultaneously: one for the transmission of the actual sound and another for the two devices to communicate with each other

Can simulate changes in murmurs with maneuvers and murmurs can be timed with patients actual pulse with practice

It transmits up to 4 million bits of information per second

Uses MP3  files which you can place into transmitter. But, can also transmit sound from any other device, such as a PDA, CD player, etc.

Easy to program sounds just like making a playlist for your iPod

After a message is sent, the transmitter “asks” the receiver if it received a given packet of information.  If not, the transmitter will transmit the packet AGAIN.

You can easily obtain or
convert other files to MP3 format

Unlimited possibilities for sounds of your choice

Easily concealed and uses realistic stethoscope receiver

Excellent realism with Standardized Patients or mannequins

It hops between frequencies multiple times per second so that it is nearly impossible to record what is transmitted

Easy to operate

Little training time required for use

Communication chip operates in reserved frequency band

Chances for interference are minimized

One transmitter will pair with one receiver, as long as both units remain “on”.  This means that ANY two units can pair with each other.  You don’t have to keep pairs labelled

Rechargeable batteries last for up to 500 charge cycles

Saves money and the environment

Battery indicator

Lets you know when charging is needed

Fast charging from your PC

In less than 30 minutes depending on size of battery, using cable provided with unit

Multiple pairs can be used in the same room without interfering with the other’s transmissions.  Several examiners can simultaneously examine a given patient

Volume control

Allows standardization of loudness, but also allows training to detect softer and softer sounds.

The placement of the parts on the circuit board is incredibly precise.   Our state of the art production facility assures proper placement.

May also allow accommodation of hearing-
impaired students

Speaker is of excellent quality

Outstanding fidelity

Ventriloscope does not pick up usual sounds from the patient

Minimizes outside noise interference with intended sound

Eliminates the possibility of problems with a student's own scope interfering with assessing his or her skills.

We received CE approval and FCC “stress testing” on the first attempt, a feat which we were told occurs only about 25% of the time.   This is the result of our engineer’s experience.

Compatable with mini digital
Recorders

Easily allows for recording and verification of sounds played for exam purposes and also for assessing SP's performance

Output jack can be used with a
Speaker, audio system, or mini
earphones

Can be used with speakers for  large group teaching (sound is also simultaneously played through stethoscope)
Allows confirmation of sounds with mini earphones
if desired for patient training

Uses Secure Digital cards for storage of sounds

Cheap, reliable, quick changes of sounds in seconds

Can be used with any mannequin

No need to buy expensive
mannequins

Extremely lightweight and portable and can be operated in total darkness

Carry your simulation ANYwhere

Low cost relative to full body mannequins

Useful for mass casualty simulation and for cost conscious programs

Deterioration of patient's exam can be easily simulated in real time without changing sound cards in the same case portrayal.

No need to stop a scenario to have progression of a condition

Sound files can easily be transmitted via the Web anywhere in the world, in
seconds, to accommodate last minute changes in a case

Could potentially be used for instantaneous  training in recognition of  symptoms of new diseases,  and chemical or biological weapons