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The Cranial Access Trainer is derived from an adult head CT and accurately reproduces the dura, diploë, and both cranial tables. The dura can be separated from the skull cap, allowing rehearsal of craniectomies and dura repair procedures alongside standard burr hole access.
Ears are provided for use as anatomic landmarks. The base mounts on a sturdy stand with a quarter-turn mechanism for left and right tilting, so trainees can adjust orientation rapidly between drills. The skull cap is quickly replaceable to maximize time spent learning procedures, and each cap is designed for multiple uses to keep operating costs low.
This trainer was used in EMRAM SimWars in 2022 and is currently used for emergency medicine resident training at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine.
Multiple skills on one training system
Frequently asked questions
What procedures can I practice on it?
Burr hole drilling through the outer table, diploë, and inner table, landmarking with the provided ears, dura incision,craniectomy rehearsal since the dura separates from the cap, and cranial access procedures.
How realistic is the anatomy?
The skull is derived from an adult head CT. It reproduces both cranial tables with diploë between them and a dura that separates from the skull cap, so the drilling feel and the dura work are anatomically represented rather than a single layer of foam.
What does it cost to keep running?
The base and tilting stand are bought once. Each skull cap insert has a dura lining and is replaceable. A set of five replacement inserts is $299, or $59.80 each. Volume pricing is available for programs and courses.
Who is it designed for?
Emergency medicine, military, and austere or rural providers who may need to perform emergency cranial access when neurosurgery is not immediately available. It is currently used for emergency medicine resident training at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine and ran in EMRAM SimWars in 2022.
What is included and where does it ship from?
One skull base, one tilting stand with quarter-turn adjustment, and five skull cap inserts with dura lining. It ships from Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Do you offer volume or program pricing?
Yes. Residency programs and training courses qualify for volume pricing. Use the contact page to request a quote.
Built so residents can actually drill
A trainer only helps if a program can afford to let people use it. The starter kit is $699 and includes the skull base, the tilting stand, and five inserts with dura. When those are used up, a set of five replacement inserts is $299, or $59.80 each.
That is roughly 45 percent less than the closest foam skull cap sold today, and the foam version has no dura that separates from the cap. The base and stand are bought once. After that, the insert is the only running cost.
| Starter kit (base, stand, 5 inserts with dura) | $699 |
| Replacement inserts, set of 5 | $299 |
| Cost per insert | $59.80 |
Volume pricing is available for residency programs and training courses.