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Updated: Oct 16, 2025
Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Peripheral Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Without Left Ventricular Venting
Published on: January 17, 2025
A High-Fidelity Percutaneous Model Used to Demonstrate ECMO Cannulation
David Palmer1, Marit Aspenleiter1, Jose da Silva1
1Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Comprehensive Care Services, Plymouth, Michigan; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Presbyterian-Shadyside, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and North Carolina Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
This study introduces an affordable, high-fidelity medical simulation model using ballistic gelatin for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) teams to practice cannulation skills. The model facilitates training in a controlled setting, enhancing procedural competency.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Simulation
- Cardiovascular Technology
Background:
- Medical simulation offers a controlled environment for clinical skill development.
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requires specialized skills, including percutaneous cannulation.
- Existing simulation models may lack fidelity or be cost-prohibitive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and describe an inexpensive, high-fidelity simulation model for ECMO team training.
- To enable the practice of percutaneous cervical and femoral cannulation techniques.
- To provide a reproducible simulation method for institutions.
Main Methods:
- A simulation model was created using synthetic ballistic gelatin.
- The gelatin model was integrated with either a static fluid system or a high-fidelity perfusion simulator.
- Ultrasound guidance, cannulation, and connection to an ECMO circuit were performed on the model.
Main Results:
- The ballistic gelatin model provided an inexpensive, high-fidelity training tool.
- The simulation allowed for realistic practice of percutaneous cannulation under ultrasound guidance.
- The setup was adaptable for both cervical and femoral approaches.
Conclusions:
- This ballistic gelatin simulation model is an effective and affordable method for ECMO team training.
- The model enhances the development, mastery, and maintenance of critical cannulation skills.
- The described methodology can be implemented at various institutions to improve ECMO procedural training.
