A Novel Approach to Cadaver-Based Soiled Airway Simulation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomical Simulation
• Clinical Skills Training

Background:

• Effective management of soiled airways is a critical clinical skill.
• Current training methods using manikins lack sufficient realism and haptic fidelity.
• There is a need for improved simulation techniques for soiled airway management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel, low-cost technique for simulating soiled airways in clinical-grade cadavers.
• To enhance the realism and haptic fidelity of airway management training.
• To provide a practical and reproducible method for soiled airway education and research.

Main Methods:

• Utilized clinical-grade cadavers for simulation.
• Employed a bougie, Foley catheter, and continuous bladder irrigation system.
• Delivered simulated bloody emesis into the esophagus and oropharynx.

Main Results:

• Successfully implemented the technique on nine cadavers during emergency medicine and anesthesiology training.
• Instructors reported significant improvements in realism and haptic fidelity compared to manikins.
• No adverse events occurred during preparation or delivery.

Conclusions:

• The described cadaver-based technique offers a practical and reproducible approach to soiled airway simulation.
• This method enhances soiled airway education and research by providing superior realism.
• It represents a valuable advancement over traditional manikin-based training methods.