Caroline Coleman, MD
IM resident
Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, Georgia
Disclosure information not submitted.
Richard Ramonell, MD
Faculty, University of Pittsburgh
Emory University School of Medicine, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
Ashley Binder, MD
PCCM Fellow
Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
Christina Creel-Bulos, RN-BSN, MD
Assistant Professor
Emory Healthcare
Atlanta, Georgia
Disclosure information not submitted.
Matthew Wiepking, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Surgery- Critical Care
University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
Michael Stentz, MD, MS
Assistant Professor
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor
Disclosure information not submitted.
Lisa Daniels, BA, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Emory University, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
Title: Pilot study of a novel gelatin-based model for V-V ECMO cannula insertion simulation
INTRODUCTION/HYPOTHESIS: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of mechanical support used as rescue therapy for patients with cardiopulmonary failure refractory to medical management and surgical intervention. Because of the high-stakes nature of performing this procedure and limitations present within the training environment, there is an increased need for simulation based training (SBT) to prepare trainees for venovenous (V-V) ECMO cannulation. However, there are few low cost, point of care simulators available to simulate the vascular access portion of V-V ECMO. We designed and tested a gelatin-based model intended for use by trainees who will be establishing venous access in preparation for V-V ECMO initiation. In a pilot study, we hypothesized that experienced physician cannulators would find the model potentially useful for trainees.
Methods: We conducted a single-center, observational pilot study in which we developed a low-fidelity, low-cost, portable gelatin-based model, asked physicians experienced in V-V ECMO cannulation to perform a simulated procedure on the model, and then surveyed participants.
Results: Of 11 participants, 64% found the model simulated the venous cannulation procedure “well” or “very well.” 55% found the model to be “easy” or “very easy” for ease of use, yet 64% rated the model poorly for simulation of dilation and bleeding. However, 73% would be “likely” or “very likely” use this model to teach trainees.
Conclusions: Experienced physicians support the utility of our novel portable, gelatin-based model to simulate V-V ECMO cannulation, but more studies are needed to validate the utility our model for clinically-relevant skills acquisition and longitudinal skill retention.