New Model Takes the Pressure Out of Your Hands
The new Arterial Puncture Wrist Trainer; a dive into what really drives the need for such comprehensive and lifelike training.
Our brand-new Arterial Puncture Wrist Trainer brings some exciting, unmatched developments to the arterial access training world including standard pulse and blood pressure for repeatable examinations, full cannula insertion, and the ability to practice under ultrasound. But before we dive into that, let’s take a step back and see what really drives the need for such comprehensive lifelike training.
With arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis being one of the most informative tools to monitor a patient’s health, it is no wonder ABG sampling is one of the most conducted tests across intensive care units [1].
With a high frequency of tests, comes a considerable monetary cost to medical facilities [2] so perfecting ABG line insertions becomes an obvious way to cost-save, reducing time and resources required when clinicians can land the procedure first time round.
However, there is a more human cost to failed ABG sampling attempts. Inserting needles and cannulas into an artery is an invasive procedure which causes discomfort and pain to a patient, most of whom are already in a vulnerable state.
With just two attempts to enter the radial artery at an ideal location before risking serious side effects [3], the pressure is on clinicians to complete procedures successfully and avoid damage to the artery. Each failed attempt also delays access to vital information that gives patients the best chance of effective care.
Knowing what’s at stake can make performing ABG sampling stressful for students, especially with a patient looking to them for reassurance. Repeated practice on a standardized model before treating a real person releases some pressure, allowing students to recall rehearsed technique and adapt to the situation at hand.
Giving students the ability to practice the full scenario, from talking to the patient, to using palpation, ultrasound or landmarks to locate the artery, to fully inserting the catheter, and finally taking a sample, gives them the best chance at remaining calm and successfully sampling ABG when faced with a real patient.
That’s why we are passionate about our new Arterial Puncture Wrist Trainer that supports learning from start to finish allowing students to repeatedly practice the full procedure until it becomes second nature.
Lifelike wrist flexibility, palpable landmarks, and pre-set blood pressure and pulse rates allow students to get used to the feeling of handling patients and recognizing different representations.
Students can learn to practice ultrasound as the wrist produces a realistic image when used with existing equipment, which can be used to guide accurate access.
The model can also self-fill a heparinized needle upon successful entry to the artery giving students a lifelike flashback of blood, mimicking real procedures. Furthermore, the model can be used to practice the Seldinger technique and is compatible with a range of cannulas, including over the needle, for students to gain full procedural competency.
You can discover more about the Arterial Puncture Wrist, and how it can support the development of confidence in your students by visiting the product webpage for your region.
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