Incident-simulating device with wireless control for extracorporeal circulation crisis management drills

Incidents during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) may lead to serious consequences, and troubleshooting exercises are becoming more important. We developed an incident-simulation device operated by remote control for ECC crisis management drills, and evaluated its efficacy at a seminar for perfusionists. This compact device consists of a transmitter and a receiving system and is run by dry batteries without a personal computer. A 4-channel radio-control system is used as the transmitter, and four servomotors placed in a box as the receiving system. To simulate occlusion of 3/8" arterial and venous lines, two servomotors with a rod rotate and the rod compresses the tube. The tilt angle of the stick and the servomotor rotation are in proportion, so that the degree of occlusion is controlled. As a result, the tube lumen becomes "stenotic" and then occluded, depending on the rotation. To cut off the power, the other two servomotors, with a relay system, work as a breaker. When the rod of the servomotor rotates, a micro-switch is turned off. The present device is able to increase perfusion pressure quickly and to simulate inadequate venous drainage quietly. At a seminar for perfusionists, an instructor manipulated the transmitter to create incidents and the participants handled the events effectively. In conclusion, incidents created by this device were perceived as similar to real ECC crises and this device may be useful and educationally effective when used in crisis management drills for perfusionists and trainees.