Pericardiocentesis Training and Anesthesiologists

In this issue of the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia Baribeau et al. present a novel, inexpensive training tool for pericardiocentesis that utilizes three-dimensional (3D) printing technology.1 The model consists of a mannequin with a sternum and sub-xyphoid zone, and an enclosed silicon heart surrounded by a thin membranous silicon pericardial sac. The heart is filled with red fluid, and the pericardial sac with blue fluid. Trainees, using transthoracic echocardiography, can visualize the pericardial sac and practice introducing a needle via sub-xyphoid puncture into the pericardial space, and drawing pericardial fluid.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research