A simulator for perfusion training.

In this study, a patient simulator was designed and fabricated to train students to respond to various clinical situations associated with heart-lung bypass machine operation and to respond to changes in patient clinical parameters. The students will use the simulator to gain pre-clinical experience. The training system will initially simulate normal heart-lung bypass conditions. During a training session, the instructor will be able to simulate problems that may happen during a real procedure. Some of these problems are stopping of rotation of one of the roller pump heads, abnormal changes in the vital parameters, such as oxygenation level or biochemical values, high blood pressure, and occlusion in arterial or venous lines. The simulator will train students to respond properly to these situations, hence, allowing them to gain clinical experience without impacting patient safety and the outcome of real life procedures. The simulator can also be used for assessment of the students' competency levels.