Low-Cost Task Trainer for In Utero Fetal Stent Placement
Elisabeth Codsi1, Brian C Brost, Joshua F Nitsche
1From the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine (E.C.), Department of OB/GYN, University of Montreal Medical School, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (B.C.B.), Department of OB/GYN, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS; and Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine (J.F.N.), Department of OB/GYN, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.
Summary
A novel, low-cost fetal stent placement simulator using freezer bags was developed. This realistic and useful training tool allows for repeated practice of a rare fetal procedure, enhancing provider competence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Simulation
- Fetal Surgery Training
Background:
- Intrauterine fetal stent placement is a rare procedure requiring specialized skills.
- Simulation is crucial for developing and maintaining technical competence in rare fetal interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a low-cost, easily assembled, and clinically relevant task trainer for fetal stent placement.
- To assess the realism and training utility of the simulator.
Main Methods:
- A simulator was created using two freezer bags filled with ultrasound gel.
- The task trainer was used for in utero stent deployment with or without ultrasound guidance.
- Surveys assessed participant feedback on realism and usefulness; timed assessments compared assembly and deployment with a porcine model.
Main Results:
- 133 participants rated the simulator highly for realism (median 5/5) and usefulness.
- The freezer bag simulator was significantly faster to assemble and use compared to a porcine model.
- Deployment and reassembly times were notably efficient for the freezer bag trainer.
Conclusions:
- The low-cost freezer bag simulator is a highly rated, valuable tool for practicing in utero stent deployment.
- It enables numerous repetitions, beneficial for both novice and experienced providers in this low-volume procedure.
