Jessica A Ching1, Thomas L Wachtel. 1. Department of Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33606, USA. jessicaallenching@gmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chest tube insertion is an important component of medical and surgical education. This article reports a cost-effective and easily reproducible method for hands-on education of tube thoracostomy placement. METHODS: A wood base is constructed, and a large rack of ribs are secured to simulate the thorax. Partially inflated examination gloves and bagels are used to simulate the lung and diaphragm, respectively. RESULTS: A life-like, cost-efficient thoracostomy model is created allowing for proficiency training in chest tube insertion. According to Advanced Trauma Life Support criteria, 123 military personnel were satisfactory, 4 remedial, and 7 instructor potential using the described model. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a simple, inexpensive training device for insertion of chest tubes and tested it on 134 military personnel.
BACKGROUND: Chest tube insertion is an important component of medical and surgical education. This article reports a cost-effective and easily reproducible method for hands-on education of tube thoracostomy placement. METHODS: A wood base is constructed, and a large rack of ribs are secured to simulate the thorax. Partially inflated examination gloves and bagels are used to simulate the lung and diaphragm, respectively. RESULTS: A life-like, cost-efficient thoracostomy model is created allowing for proficiency training in chest tube insertion. According to Advanced Trauma Life Support criteria, 123 military personnel were satisfactory, 4 remedial, and 7 instructor potential using the described model. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a simple, inexpensive training device for insertion of chest tubes and tested it on 134 military personnel.