A Novel Arterial Line Simulation Model

Abstract

With damage control surgery and resuscitation teams, the military is bringing surgical as well as intensive care far forward to areas where mass casualty events are an ever-present threat. One procedure that the team is required to be proficient in is arterial line insertion and transducing. To our knowledge, there are no previously described field arterial line simulation models. We present an arterial line insertion and transducer simulator created using medium resistance Thera-band tubing, saline, Coban, and a SAM splint. Ten deployed members of a damage control surgical team received 30 minutes of instruction on how to properly insert an arterial line and how to set up the transducer equipment. All participants were able to show proficiency in radial artery line insertion and transducer setup despite 8 of the 10 participants having never inserted or setup an arterial line. We describe, to our knowledge, the first arterial line insertion and transducing model utilizing only items found in the deployed environment. This model can be easily made and utilized to train medical personnel of all skill levels to augment the capabilities of medical units in areas where mass casualty events are likely.

Establishment of a combat damage control surgery training platform for explosive combined thoraco-abdominal injuries

“…Simulators are a valuable training tool to increase patient safety and improve provider ability and competence in nearly every aspect of medicine. 25 Initially, simulators were not so advanced and were used for training for relatively simple skills, such as trauma resuscitation, 26 establishment of vascular access, 25 treatment of disorders of the airway, and difficulty with breathing. 27 With the progress of techniques, many advanced simulators have been developed, such as virtual reality-based simulator, first aid-focused simulator, and damage control surgery - focused simulator, etc.…”

“…Third, regardless of how effective the platform is, a hybrid training model should be used to improve the training effect. 25 In the future, a hybrid training system with the current platform as a core element will be established to improve the training effectiveness.…”