Abstract
A Novel Approach to Teaching Periocardiocentesis
Academic emergency medicine, v 16(s1), pp S274-S274
01 Apr 2009
Abstract
Pericardiocentesis can be a life-saving intervention but it is associated with significant complications if not performed appropriately. Periocardiocentesis should ideally be done under ultrasound guidance. However, in many community emergency departments (EDs) ultrasound is not routinely available, leaving the ED physician the anatomic approach. Emergency medicine residents need to achieve competence in this procedure using both techniques, but there are limited opportunities for residents to perform this procedure on live patients. Many residency programs teach this procedure using cadaver models. We have devised a model, made with readily available, inexpensive materials, that allows residents to practice pericardiocentesis using both the subxiphoid and parasternal approach in a setting that we feel is more life-like than with that using the dessicated tissue of routine cadaver models. Materials: Two racks of pork or beef ribs, wire, pericardiocentesis tray, Betadine, plastic baggies. The racks of ribs are wired together to make a thorax and are then covered with an opaque covering to simulate skin. One plastic bag is filled with Betadine and then placed within another plastic bag containing water, to simulate pericardial effusion. The bag-within-bag set-up is then secured on the under surface of the thorax. Residents can then practice either the parasternal or subxiphoid approach with the intent of aspirating clear fluid. Aspiration of dark-fluid represents cardiac penetration and is considered an unsuccessful procedure. Bags can be replaced as needed, but based on our experience, approximately 10 attempts were done before any significant leakage occurred. Total cost for the materials was less than $35. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
Metrics
1 Record Views
Details
- Title
- A Novel Approach to Teaching Periocardiocentesis
- Creators
- Mara Aloi - Allegheny General HospitalMoira Davenport - Allegheny General Hospital
- Publication Details
- Academic emergency medicine, v 16(s1), pp S274-S274
- Publisher
- Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Emergency Medicine
- Other Identifier
- 991021903299404721