Context
While super heroes may not get sick often, it’s not uncommon for supers to take victims to hospitals; or for power complications and the like lead to examinations by doctors.
Of course, some supers are doctors and nurses either in their secret IDs (Dr. Donald Blake, Dr. Jane Foster, Dr. Charles McNider, Dr. Beth Chapel, Kuro Hazama, Pat Parker, Doc Horror, Dr. Sam Ellis, (Dr.) Karin Grace, Dr. Eli Wirtham, etc.).
There are even a few as part of their superhero persona. Or their villainous persona, such as the various Crime Doctors.
Street level characters sometimes have big subplots around seeking medical attention, and it may be useful to have an idea at what technology hospitals have available to them to examine patients, and what limitations apply.
Looking at the equipment should also give an idea what super powers can revolutionize medical care.
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I have included rough costs for the devices both in terms of Hero Points and in Wealth checks to buy one off the shelf of a medical supply store (or from the manufacturer for some of the larger pieces of equipment).
The wealth scores are often a range representing a variety of quality in the items available. Those used in surgery are usually the higher end of the scale. Sometimes the varying cost can come down to features which don’t directly affect game stats, but might make it easier to use for technicians.
From a Gadgetry mechanics perspective, these devices give a general idea of what is available without the Genius advantage. If a character has that, however, there are far more efficient ways to build better devices given the game mechanics.
The Hero Point cost might vary slightly depending on how much you think the limitations or restrictions which make them realistic are worth.
Additionally, it is possible a GM could require a Medicine check to read or operate any of these devices. It’s not uncommon for multiple doctors to examine a scan just to make sure the first doctor doesn’t miss something.
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Electrocardiograms and heart monitors
Electrocardiographs and electrocardiograms (EKG/ECG) detect small electrical charges. They allow clinicians to determine a number of factors related to heart activity. These include heart and respiratory rate, rhythm, and can be used to identify recent heart attacks and other conditions.
The signals are shown as waves on a monitor or printout. They are used in conjunction with hemodynamic monitors (via a cuff or with an invasively inserted transducer), which allow clinicians to track pressure and flow of blood. On monitors these figures usually appear as numbers to the side of the heart rate wave.
While there are several things that can be observed through an ECG, the most common thing they’re looking at is the heart rate and rhythm. This is especially true in relation to surgery and defibrillators.
A regular heart rhythm is between 60-100 beats per minute (BPM). Slower than that is becomes bradycardic while faster is tachycardic. You can see more about reading an ECG over there.
DCH EKG/ECG Machine and heart monitors [BODY 01, Detect (Heart activity): 04, Detect (Electrical activity): 04 R#02, Limitations : All powers are elementally linked and Detect only works on a single patient at a range of touch]. Gadget Cost: 09 HP. Wealth Cost: 08 APs.
Medical monitoring systems
Medical patient monitoring systems are multi-parameter systems. These use a combination of electrodes, infrared finger monitors and other devices to track multiple physiological parameters critical for patient care.
While historically they were a system of individual devices, current practices is systems which incorporate several parameters into a single system and readout.
These devices are especially common in Intensive Care Units and integrated with anesthetic machines in surgical theatres (“Operating Rooms”).
DCH Multi-Parameter Patient Monitor [BODY 02, Detect (Heart activity): 04, Detect (Electrical activity): 04 Detect (Respiratory Rate): 04, Detect (Oxygen and CO2 saturation): 04, Detect (Physio chemicals): 04, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 24 HPs. Wealth Cost: 09 APs.
- Oxygen Saturation monitored via finger monitor is infrared based, in surgery this is also monitored directly via blood supply. Blood chemistry is also monitored via biosensors.
- Detect (Heart activity), Detect (Respiratory Rate) contingent on Detect (Electrical Activity).
- All Detect powers only work on a single patient at a range of touch.
Defibrillators
Defibrillators are devices that restore a normal heartbeat through electrical shock. They can correct for heartbeats that are too fast or slow, and can restore a heartbeat to a heart which has suddenly stopped beating.
There are devices which are a form of defibrillator that can be implanted or worn by heart patients. But, the main two types of defibrillators most people are familiar with are:
- Automated External Defibrillators (which can be used in emergency situations by laymen).
- Manual External Defibrillators (which must be operated by medical professionals to be effective).
DCH Automated External Defibrillator (AED) [[BODY 01, Detect (Heart beat): 03, Lightning: 04, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 10 HP. Wealth Cost: 05 APs.
Automated defibrillators can automatically detect dysrhythmia and apply an appropriate shock to stabilize it. Lightning can be controlled incrementally.
Lightning only works on those with no heartbeat or irregular heartbeat. It may allow an additional Desperation Recovery check to a character whose heart has just stopped (reached negative Body condition or lower) at no cost in HP. If this check is successful, it does not prevent further deterioration unless further medical care is provided.
All powers at range of touch, and only work on a single patient.
DCH Manual External Defibrillators [BODY 02, Lightning: 05, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 04 HP. Wealth Cost: 05-06 APs.
Lightning can be controlled incrementally.
Manual defibrillators require medical professionals (Medical Treatment Subskill of at least 02, or appropriate advantages) to operate. They are usually used in conjunction with EKG machines.
They may allow an additional Desperation Recovery check to a character whose heart has just stopped (reached negative Body condition or lower) at no cost in HP. If this check is successful, it does not prevent further deterioration unless further medical care is provided. All powers at range of touch, and only work on a single patient.
Gigantic and/or super-strong patients may require custom-built manual defibrillators of enormous power. For instance, Dr. Waynesboro once used a 2.5 gigajoules defibrillator to restart the heart of the Hulk (Bruce Banner) after he had been fatally wounded by Zeus. That’s enough energy to heat an American Midwest house during a winter month – and I’d assume that was per impulse.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound scans, or sonograms, use sound waves to create an image inside the body.
The device utilizes a wand-like device called a transducer. It is placed on the patient’s skin and sends soundwaves into the body which bounce back when they encounter denser tissues. This provides 3-dimensional information.
It is used most often to check fetal development with pregnancies, but is also used to detect problems with organs and to assist with biopsy. Higher frequency waves provide clearer pictures, but penetrate less deeply into the body.
The transducer can also be used in various orifices. Small ones can be attached to probes to help examine more internally or to guide surgeons during procedures.
Typical ultrasound readout.
Variants
A regular ultrasound only captures a still image and measurements. Some sonograms use the doppler effect to capture motion, and are referred to as Doppler Ultrasounds. They are primarily used to measure blood flow in tracking some heart and artery conditions.
The amount of blood flowing is sometimes color coded and at other times given in a numerical readout, depending on the interface.
Finally, Ultrasound Stethoscopes (also known as Personal Ultrasound Imagers [PUI] or Point of Care UltraSounds [POCUS]) are smaller, hand-held ultrasound imagers. These are most commonly used to quickly assess potential heart conditions.
While some doctors feel the pictures are not as clear on these devices (most likely due to the smaller screen), studies have shown they are just as accurate in measurements as the more standard models.
They have also gained popularity during the pandemic as they allow doctors to quickly assess COVID patients with minimal exposure for the medical staff.
Doppler ultrasound.
Stats
DCH Ultrasound [BODY 03, Sonar: 04, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 07 HP. Wealth Cost: 10-12 APs.
- Sonar only usable on one person at a range of touch.
- Sonar only “sees” the area in a cone before the transducer, not a full 360°.
- Cannot track movement, just captures a still image.
DCH Doppler Ultrasound [BODY 03, Sonar: 04, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 08 HP. Wealth Cost: 10-12 APs.
- Sonar only usable on one person at a range of touch.
- Sonar only “sees” the area in a cone before the transducer, not a full 360 degrees.
DCH Ultrasound Stethoscope [BODY 01, Miniaturization: 06, Sonar: 03, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 19 HP. Wealth Cost: 09 APs.
- Sonar only usable on one person at a range of touch.
- Sonar only “sees” the area in a cone before the transducer, not a full 360°.
Ultrasound stethoscope.
X-Ray Machine
Projectional radiography utilizes X-Rays to create a static two-dimensional image for diagnostic purposes. The device consists of an X-Ray generator to create the beam, and an imaging detector.
Sometimes a Bucky Potter grid is used between the patient and the detector. It reduces the scattering of X-rays to improve the contrast on the image, but exposes the patient to more radiation.
DCH X-RAY MACHINE[BODY 03, X-Ray Vision: 03, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 19 HP. Wealth Cost: 09-10 APs.
- A single 2D image is produced per X-Ray, much like a camera.
- X-Ray Vision only usable on one person (limited to one area of the body) at a range of 0 APs.
Lodox Scanner
A Lodox scanner is a specialized X-Ray machine which creates a 6-foot image within 16 seconds. They are primarily used in trauma centers and forensic pathology for full body scans.
The technology utilizes a thinner beam and detector than traditional X-Ray machines. This beam moves over the patient similarly to a document scanner. This allows a higher quality image with a much lower dose of radiation.
DCH LODOX SCANNER [BODY 04, X-Ray Vision: 04, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 23 HP. Wealth Cost: 14 APs.
- A Lodox scanner produces a full body two-dimensional image, and can also produce a lateral scan.
- X-Ray Vision only usable on one person with a range of touch.
Video
Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
Computerized Tomography machines (CT scanners) combine a series of highly detailed X-Ray images. These are taken from different angles at the same time to produce cross sectional images to see bones, blood vessels and soft tissues in the body.
They are primarily used to quickly diagnose internal injuries from accidents and trauma. But a CT scan can also be used to locate tumors, diagnose some diseases, or to visualize parts of the body in order to create surgical or other treatment plans.
Contrast materials are sometimes used to improve the image.
DCH CT SCANNER [BODY 04, X-Ray Vision: 05, Microscopic Vision: 06, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 29 HP. Wealth Cost: 15-16 APs.
- CT Scans use X-rays from several directions at once to build a detailed 3D image which is usually displayed in individual layered images.
- Patient must remain still while imaging is taking place.
- All powers only usable on one person with a range of touch, and patient must remain still to get a clear image.
Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) Machine
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create HD 3D-map the anatomy and processes in the body. It does not involve X-Rays or ionizing radiation.
MRIs measure polarization in cells within the body. Video imagery can also be taken. Depending on the system being looked at, contrasting agents may be used to improve the image.
DCH MRI MACHINE [BODY 04, Magnetic Control: 08, X-Ray Vision: 06, Microscopic Vision: 08 R#02]. Gadget Cost: 72 HP. Wealth Cost: 12-15 APs.
- Patients must be placed in a narrow tube for the imaging, and remain still.
- Patients must not have any implants or other metal objects on their person, as they can be attracted to the magnets.
- All powers are Contingent Upon Magnetic Control.
- All Powers are only usable on one person with a range of touch.
- Magnetic control only generates and measures magnetic waves for imaging.
DNA Sequencer
A DNA sequencer is a scientific instrument that can determine the order of the four bases (Guanine, Cytosine, Adenine, and Thymine).
The most recent models of DNA sequencers can prepare samples in as little as 90 minutes and the entire human genome can be sequenced within days.
DCH Genome Sequencer [BODY 03, INT 03, Detect (DNA): 05, Detect (DNA Bases): 05, Data Storage: 07 R#02]. Gadget Cost: 29 HP. Wealth Cost: 10-13 APs.
- Detect only can give a readout of DNA bases and order.
- The INT and Data storage represents the computing capacity to take the raw data and reassemble the structure of the DNA.
- Requires a DNA sample from the patient (range of Touch).
- The sequencing process takes an hour (10 APs) with newer machines.
Digital Chart Tablets
The hospital has patient charts completely digitized into master database. These can be accessed via touch screen tablets by any doctor assigned to the case.
These tablets can be used to view a patient’s entire medical history with the hospital including any scans, charts, or doctor’s orders and notes.
DCH Chart Tablet [BODY 01, INT 02, Data Storage: 06, Miniaturization: 06, Radio Communications: 03, R#03]. Gadget Cost: 28 HP. Wealth Cost: 05 APs.
Scan Viewing Room
There are several rooms in the hospital with either light panels for viewing X-Rays, or banks of large screen monitors taking up entire walls to be able to sort through scans.
These rooms typically have a desk with a computer (which controls all the panels) and several traditional monitors in the middle of the room.
Neurologists especially make use of these viewing rooms especially when consulting with other departments.
One kind of room even has a 3D holographic projector to help visualize difficult to reach tumors and anatomy that may be more difficult to see in 2D scans and images.
DCH Scan Viewing Room [BODY 04, Illusion 04, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 49 HP. Wealth Cost: 10-11 APs.
- In all but the room with the holographic projector Illusion in limited to 2D visual images (typically CT or MRI scans) where the monitors are.
- In the case of the room with the holographic projector, it is able to produce 3D interactive images, but only within the specified (0 AP) area of the projector.
Medical CubeX 3-D printer
Medical 3D printers are used in medicine to print exact replicas of anatomy for a variety of purposes.
In some cases, an exact replica of a tumor or body part can be created to help plan a surgical approach.
In others, replacement parts can be modeled to go into a virtual body. So that an exact fit can be created based on medical scans before ever opening a patient surgically.
Materials used in medical printing include biodegradable polymers, metals, plastics and ceramics depending on the situation.
Medical printers have additional advantages over traditional manufacturing in that they can layer these materials and parts directly without need for separate assembly.
DCH Medical CubeX 3-D printer [BODY 02, Fabricate: 13, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 78 HP. Wealth Cost: 07 APs.
- Items are permanent.
- Items take 16 hours (14 APs) of time to create.
- It takes raw material to fabricate objects, but number of items not limited by total APs of Fabricate.
Stem Cell Laboratory
The hospital has a stem cell laboratory which can be used to grow replacement organs.
Adult stem cells are harvested from bone marrow or fat. They are then genetically reprogrammed to act similarly to embryonic stem cells. Research has used embryonic stem cells harvested from in vitro fertilized eggs and from umbilical blood.
The cells are then manipulated to become specific types of cells – such as heart muscle, blood cells, or nerve cells. The cells are then used to grow replacement organ material which is transplanted into the patient.
This carries the advantage of no risk of rejection since they are made from the patient’s own cells.
Research into regenerative medicine has shown that in some cases it could be possible to inject stem cells directly into an organ and potentially repair it directly.
DCH STEM CELL LAB [BODY 01, Regeneration: 02, Rel#03]. Gadget Cost: 18 HP. Wealth Cost: 16-17 APs.
- Regeneration is limited to physical damage and growing back specific body parts from stem cells of the patient.
- Regeneration does allow for regrowth of organs which are not normally able to heal.
- Requires at least 3 APs of both Medicine and Scientist and/or appropriate Scholars to use.
Anesthesia Machine and Mechanical Ventilator
Anesthesia Machines (or anaesthetic machines in the UK) are medical devices used to deliver medical gasses to a patient, usually with the purpose of keeping them unconscious for medical procedures.
Modern machines usually integrate mechanical ventilators, suction equipment, breathing circuits and patient monitoring devices into one unit. See above for stats on medical monitors integrated into the system.
DCH ANESTHESIA MACHINE [BODY 02, Knockout Gas: 05, Sealed Systems: 05, Air Control: 03 R#03]. Gadget Cost: 46 HP. Wealth Cost: 09-11 APs.
- All Powers only effects the patient and at a range of Touch, usually via a mask or intubation tube.
- Air Control only allows machine to continue airflow in and out of the lungs to simulate breathing, and also to determine the oxygen and other gas concentration being breathed. Those that have suction can also use air control to clear the airway.
This machine requires an Easy (2/2) Medicine roll (appropriate Scholars such as Anesthesia may apply) to operate. The roll may be modified if the patient has any allergies, resistances or unusual blood chemistry as appropriate, especially if the anesthesiologist is unaware of the condition.
Failure can result in the patient waking up during surgery, heart failure, or even strokes or aneurysms depending on the situation.
Electrosurgical Unit
An Electrosurgical Unit uses high frequency electrical current to heat, cut, coagulate, desiccate and fulgurate tissue. They are used in surgery to help prevent blood loss and minimize recovery time.
They are limited in that they can not be used near oxygen since that could cause a fire.
DCH Electrosurgical Unit [BODY 05, EV 03, Flame Being: 03, Lightning: 03, Regeneration: 01, R#02]. Gadget Cost: 28 HP. Wealth Cost: 08-11 APs.
- Regeneration is physical damage only and just allows quicker recovery checks directly related to the surgery and represents the quicker recovery time.
- Flame Being is Contingent Upon Lightning.
- All powers are only usable by touch on the patient.
Da Vinci Robotic assisted Surgery System
While this is considered a robotic system, there is not an AI which does the surgery.
The system consists of a set of advanced robotic assisted instruments controlled by a surgeon via a panel. The tiny wristed robotic instruments can fit in small openings and move with a much greater range of motion than a human hand.
The system also gives a 3D high-definition magnified image for the surgeon to utilize. Combined, these tools allow for surgery through much smaller incisions and is less invasive than a normal surgery.
DCH Da Vinci Robotic assisted Surgery System [BODY 03, EV 03, Microscopic Vision: 03, Regeneration: 02, Flame Being 03, Lightning: 03, Remote Sensing: 01 R#02]. Gadget Cost: 76 HP. Wealth Cost: 17 APs.
- Regeneration is physical damage only and just allows quicker recovery checks directly related to the surgery and represents the quicker recovery time.
- Flame Being and Lightning are present assuming an Electrosurgical Unit is being used as one of the tools on the device.
- Flame Being is Contingent Upon lightning.
- Remote Sensing is visual only, and does not have a time limit (as long as there’s power).
- Remote Sensing only works at the range of the probe going inside the body (Touch).
- Microscopic Vision is Contingent Upon Remote Sensing and has a Range of Touch.
This system provides -2 CS to OV for Surgery checks due to flexibility of the system. Alternatively, you can use Enhance (Medicine Skill): 03 (cap is 09).
Helper(s): Sébastien Andrivet, Pawsplay.
Writeup completed on the 17th day of January, 2021.