A reusable training circuit for cardiopulmonary bypass

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Education
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Perfusion training programs face difficulties due to increased student numbers and decreased pediatric open-heart procedures.
• Fewer clinical cases hinder trainees from meeting minimum pediatric case requirements for effective learning.
• This necessitates innovative simulation methods to supplement traditional training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel
• teaching circuit
• simulation for pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) training.

Main Methods:

• A reusable, non-sterile CPB circuit was designed to simulate a patient undergoing surgery.
• Trainees manipulated the circuit to respond to simulated patient physiological changes.
• The simulation focused on establishing CPB, maintaining hemodynamic stability, and weaning the patient.

Main Results:

• The teaching circuit successfully reproduced simulated patient responses during CPB.
• Trainees practiced critical perfusion maneuvers in a controlled environment.
• The simulation allowed for practice in managing varying clinical scenarios and weaning.

Conclusions:

• The developed teaching circuit offers a viable solution to the challenges in pediatric perfusion training.
• Simulation enhances trainees' ability to manage CPB and maintain hemodynamic stability.
• This approach can help bridge the gap caused by limited clinical case exposure.