Low-cost simulator for intra-abdominal bleeding

Abstract

Background: training in critical surgical situations is crucial for a safe outcome. The use of simulators is well established, although many are quite expensive, requiring the search for financially viable solutions for training centers. Methods: we built a low-cost simulator for intra-abdominal bleeding with inexpensive materials, such as a manikin chest, latex tubes, silicone rubber, and waterproof fabric, seeking to mimic the abdominal viscera and vessels and their anatomical correlations. An IV infusion set allowed simulated blood to flow under pressure, and the blood flowed freely during simulation. After obtaining a functional model, we selected general surgeons to validate the simulator and its use in teaching surgery. We used the content validity index (CVI), with a cutoff of 0.9. Results: the cost of building the prototype was US$71,00 in 2021, accounting for the purchase of the various necessary materials. Twelve raters participated in the validation tests. The results obtained from the feedback survey showed a good evaluation of all items, especially the recognition of the injured vessel, access to the vascular injury, hemostasis by manual compression, and hemostatic suturing. Conclusion: the proposed simulator obtained good results in scenarios of intra-abdominal bleeding from large vessels, as well as for hemostasis by manual compression and suturing. It proved to be a useful tool for training in critical intra- abdominal bleeding situations, while maintaining a low cost of building.