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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
A Training and Testing System for Performing Vascular Reconstruction In Vitro
Published on: October 26, 2019
Thoracic limb simulator for veterinary vascular access training
Ana Clara Nogueira Espinha1, Julia Piolla1, Patrick Carmona Marinho1
1Universidade Federal Fluminense - Faculdade de Veterinária - Niterói (RJ), Brazil.
Purpose:
To develop and validate a thoracic limb simulator for veterinary vascular access training (TSVT), focusing vein puncture in dogs.
Methods:
The simulator was designed, three-dimensional printed, and filled with silicone and resin. Five experienced veterinarians, with no prior simulator experience, performed procedures including hand positioning, vein palpation, antisepsis, venipuncture, catheter insertion, and access maintenance. Evaluators completed an anonymous questionnaire with a 3-point scale and provided qualitative feedback.
Results:
The TSVT accurately reproduced thoracic limb and cephalic vein. All professionals reported appropriate hand positioning, vein palpation, and antisepsis. Blood collection was feasible for all evaluators, while catheter insertion was feasible for four and partially feasible for one due to resistance within the simulated vessel. Fixation and maintenance of vascular access were successfully performed by all. The simulator allowed repeated practice without live animals, supporting safe and controlled development of psychomotor skills.
Conclusion:
These results demonstrated that the TSVT is effective for training cephalic vein puncture in dogs, faithfully reproducing anatomical structures and enabling acquisition of clinical and psychomotor skills in a safe, ethical, and repeatable manner, representing a valuable tool for veterinary education.
