A Landmark-Guided Pericardiocentesis Simulator for Resource-Limited Procedural Training: A Development Informed by...

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Emergency Medicine Training
• Cardiovascular Procedures

Background:

• Pericardial tamponade is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt pericardiocentesis.
• Medical simulation offers a safe training environment for high-acuity, low-occurrence procedures.
• Access to training simulators is limited in remote and rural areas due to cost and supply chain issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a cost-effective and reusable pericardiocentesis simulator.
• To improve access to advanced emergency procedure training for remote clinicians.
• To facilitate practice of both landmark-guided and ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel pericardiocentesis trainer utilizing ballistic gel.
• Simulator designed for practice from substernal, apical, and parasternal approaches.
• Ensured simulator allows for both landmark and ultrasound-guided technique practice.

Main Results:

• The developed simulator is cost-effective and reusable.
• The trainer effectively supports practice of pericardiocentesis from multiple anatomical approaches.
• The simulation method is adaptable for remote and rural training needs.

Conclusions:

• A low-cost, reusable pericardiocentesis simulator can be effectively created using ballistic gel.
• This training tool enhances skill acquisition for emergency procedures in underserved areas.
• Simulation is crucial for maintaining proficiency in critical interventions like pericardiocentesis.