Improve Suturing Skills
NEW PRODUCT FEATURE! A Suturing Curriculum DVD created by the University of Washington is now included with every BOSS Starter Package (BOSS-SP) - which includes Simulab's flexible platform for basic surgical skill development and five tissue models.
Click here to view a segment of the Suturing Curriculum DVD. This segment features Simulab's Subcuticular Suturing Model (SCS-10).
The Suturing Curriculum DVD includes instructional information on:
Knot Tying - Use of Scalpels
- Use of Scissors
- Use of Needle Drivers and Forceps
- Suture Cutting
- Interrupted Suture
- Running Simple Suture
- Running Locked Suture
- Horizontal Mattress Suture
- Vertical Mattress Suture
- Buried Subcuticular Knot
- Running Subcuticular Suture
- Purse-string Suture
- Figure Eight Suture Ligature
- Tie on a Passer
Simulab offers a variety of additional training tools to aid in the instruction and development of basic and advanced surgical skills. These affordable and portable products are perfect for beginners just learning or experts who need to practice complex suturing techniques.
Take Advantage of TraumaMan's Versatility
While the TraumaMan System is perfectly suited to the needs of Advanced Trauma Life Support courses, the System is also a great tool for emergency and general medicine, and surgical training, including suturing, knot tying and incisions.
In addition to Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage, the Abdominal Tissue Set can also be used to perform a Bowel Anastomosis - either laparoscopically or open. Fill the abdominal reservoir with fluid, place a simulated bowel section in the abdominal reservoir, and begin the procedure.
To practice knot tying at depth, attach a hook to the bottom of the abdominal reservoir. Students can practice abdominal incisions and suturing the layers of the abdominal tissue set. (Photo #2: Courtesy of Conemaugh Health System's Medical Skills Learning Center)
The Chest Tissue Set is a great tool for practicing suturing and knot tying. The tissue provides a realistic touch and feel, and its fluid reservoirs can serve as a great simulation of vessels for the student to suture around.
Introducing EDGE: SLS Innovation of the Year for 2008
EDGE (Electronic Data Generation for Evaluation), the next generation of reality-based laparoscopic training, is a ground-breaking simulator, created in collaboration with the University of Washington.
Using laparoscopic instruments integrated with five sensors, it measures the time, path, and force for each exercise. This innovation:
- Eliminates the need for an expert surgeon to observe each student in order to evaluate performance
- Reduces subjective evaluation - EDGE bases its results on actual haptics and provides quantifiable results to its users
- Draws on the test results of students and experts worldwide to create its data for assessment
This system not only advances the field of surgical education - it expands the medical community itself, connecting laparoscopic surgeons around the world.
Reducing Risk: Central Venous Catheterization
According to a recent article published in Critical Care Medicine, over five million central venous catheterizations (CVCs) are performed in the United States each year. Of those, more than 15% experience one or more mechanical complication with arterial puncture, hematoma, and pneumothorax being most common. These complications are often attributed to several factors including lack of experience, knowledge of the catheter site, and attention to detail. (1)
The same article notes that clinicians who have placed more than 50 CVCs have less than half the complication rate of clinicians with less than 50 CVC attempts. (1)
Simulab Corporation offers two realistic CVC trainers to help clinicians gain valuable experience, improve performance, and potentially reduce mechanical complications: CentraLineMan and our newest product - FemoraLineMan.
The American Surgeon recently published an article that used Simulab's CentraLineMan System to evaluate the impact on improvement of technical skill in CVCs. The study concluded that "the introduction of a simulation curriculum into the orientation to internship for surgical residents is useful and well regarded by the trainees. The residents did show improved performance on basic parameters such as the number of needlesticks needed to access the vessel during the simulated training session." (2)
CentraLineMan and FemoraLineMan CVC Training Systems provide ideal training platforms to address each of the contributing factors of complications before a trainee interacts with a patient.
1. Robert W. Taylor, MD, Ashok V. Palagiri, MD. Central Venous Catheterization. Critical Care Medicine 2007 Vol. 35, No. 5.
2. Rebecca C. Britt, MD, et al. Central Line Simulation: A New Training Algorithm. The American Surgeon July 2007.