A High-Fidelity Surgical Model and Perfusion Simulator Used to Demonstrate ECMO Cannulation, Initiation, and Stabilization

Abstract

Our high-fidelity simulation model provides a realistic example for health-care professionals to experience cannulation, initiation, and hemodynamic stabilization during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. This educational experience brings a variety of critical care specialties together, in a controlled simulation setting, to develop, master, and maintain clinical skills. This may include perfusionists, ECMO specialists, surgical technicians, registered nurses, physicians, and students. The simulation component includes a unique vascular access pad that is attached to either a static fluid model or to the Califia perfusion simulator system (Biomed Simulation, Inc., San Diego, CA). This collective high-fidelity simulation model can be surgically cannulated via a cutdown technique using an appropriately sized cannula and connected to an in situ ECMO circuit. This article explains the educational strategy, how the surgical pad is made, and the simulator connections so that any hospital can re-create this experience.