William E Clifton1, Aaron C Damon2, William D Freeman3,4,5. 1. Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA. 2. J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Simulation Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA. 3. Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA. Freeman.William1@mayo.edu. 4. Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA. Freeman.William1@mayo.edu. 5. Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA. Freeman.William1@mayo.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medical simulation for the teaching of procedural skills to health-care providers is an effective method of instruction to improve safety, quality, and procedural efficiency. There are several commercially available simulators for lumbar puncture training; however, there is currently no model available for lumbar drain intrathecal catheter placement. METHODS: A modular lumbar drain simulator was assembled with the use of a spine model, ballstical gel, and Penrose drain tubing to recreate the procedural steps and tactile feedback of a live lumbar drain insertion. RESULTS: The assembled simulator demonstrated the ability to provide users with manual feeback of a "pop" sensation when intrathecal puncture was achieved with a 14 gauge Touhy needle, as well as spontaneous CSF flow. A silastic catheter was able to be inserted into the simulated subarachnoid space in the same manner as a live procedure. CONCLUSIONS: A high-fidelity lumbar drain simulator can be constructed in a cost-effective manner. We have detailed the materials and assembly of our successful design in order to provide a novel educational tool for procedural instruction and practice.
BACKGROUND: Medical simulation for the teaching of procedural skills to health-care providers is an effective method of instruction to improve safety, quality, and procedural efficiency. There are several commercially available simulators for lumbar puncture training; however, there is currently no model available for lumbar drain intrathecal catheter placement. METHODS: A modular lumbar drain simulator was assembled with the use of a spine model, ballstical gel, and Penrose drain tubing to recreate the procedural steps and tactile feedback of a live lumbar drain insertion. RESULTS: The assembled simulator demonstrated the ability to provide users with manual feeback of a "pop" sensation when intrathecal puncture was achieved with a 14 gauge Touhy needle, as well as spontaneous CSF flow. A silastic catheter was able to be inserted into the simulated subarachnoid space in the same manner as a live procedure. CONCLUSIONS: A high-fidelity lumbar drain simulator can be constructed in a cost-effective manner. We have detailed the materials and assembly of our successful design in order to provide a novel educational tool for procedural instruction and practice.