Initial experience using a pelvic emergency simulator to train reduction in blood loss

Area of Science:

• Surgical Simulation and Trauma Management
• Medical Device Development
• Hemorrhage Control Techniques

Background:

• Decreasing surgeon exposure to severe pelvic injuries necessitates advanced training methods.
• Life-threatening hemorrhage from pelvic trauma requires specialized surgical skills.
• A novel pelvic emergency simulator has been developed to address this training gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and application of a new pelvic emergency simulator.
• To evaluate the simulator's efficacy in assessing mechanical stabilization and bleeding control techniques.
• To enhance surgeon preparedness for managing pelvic fracture hemorrhage.

Main Methods:

• The simulator features two tube systems simulating pelvic vascular structures and venous plexuses.
• Mechanical stabilization involves pelvic reduction and compression to occlude simulated arterial flow.
• Preperitoneal packing is used to control simulated venous bleeding.
• Simulated blood loss is quantified via fluid reservoir and sampler measurements.

Main Results:

• The simulator has been utilized in eight training sessions since 2002.
• Effective bleeding control using packing was achieved in an average of 6 ± 3 minutes.
• Average total simulated blood loss during training sessions was 1296 ± 892 mL.

Conclusions:

• The developed pelvic emergency simulator serves as a valuable training tool.
• It aids surgeons in reducing blood loss associated with severe pelvic ring injuries.
• This simulation enhances proficiency in managing critical hemorrhage scenarios.