Pericardiocentesis simulation model: conception and development

TL;DR

This paper describes the creation of a low-cost pericardiocentesis simulation model for training medical students.

Contribution

The novel contribution is a functional and affordable pericardiocentesis simulator using a silicone rubber heart and fluid system.

Findings

The simulator successfully mimicked a cardiac tamponade scenario detectable via ultrasound.

Fifty punctures were performed without fluid leakage, demonstrating the model's reliability.

The model is suitable for undergraduate medical training and healthcare education.

Abstract

To develop a pericardiocentesis (PCT) simulation model applied for undergraduate medical training.

A PCT simulator consisted of a torso mannequin, a silicone rubber heart (SRH), a container, and a filling system. The mannequin was submitted to a coronal section and an 18 × 18-cm precordial area opening. The SRH was prepared in accordance with structural dimensions of a normal heart. The elaboration of a structure container to simulate the pericardial cavity consisted of a non-leakable unit inside a cardboard (PcavBox). The PcavBox filling system was connected to a 10-mm diameter tube and a total of 2.5 L of saline solution. This structure was adapted inside the mannequin and covered with a thermoformable rubber material of 2 mm in skin color. For PCT simulation, we used a 10-mL syringe connected to a 14G needle for an imaging guided puncture facilitated by a portable ultrasound.

A SRH was successfully developed and fixed inside the Pcav Box, connected to the fluid pressure system. It was able to simulate a cardiac tamponade scenario identified by ultrasound. A series of 50 punctures was successively performed without liquid leak.

A low-cost PCT simulator was developed and coan be applied to healthcare education.

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