Development of an educational simulator system, ECCSIM-Lite, for the acquisition of basic perfusion techniques and evaluation

Abstract

A training system with quantitative evaluation of performance for training perfusionists is valuable for preparation for rare but critical situations. A simulator system, ECCSIM-Lite, for extracorporeal circulation (ECC) training of perfusionists was developed. This system consists of a computer system containing a simulation program of the hemodynamic conditions and the training scenario with instructions, a flow sensor unit, a reservoir with a built-in water level sensor, and an ECC circuit with a soft bag representing the human body. This system is relatively simple, easy to handle, compact, and reasonably inexpensive. Quantitative information is recorded, including the changes in arterial flow by the manipulation of a knob, the changes in venous drainage by handling a clamp, and the change in reservoir level; the time courses of the above parameters are presented graphically. To increase the realism of the training, a numerical–hydraulic circulatory model was applied. Following the instruction and explanation of the scenario in the form of audio and video captions, it is possible for a trainee to undertake self-study without an instructor or a computer operator. To validate the system, a training session was given to three beginners using a simple training scenario; it was possible to record the performance of the perfusion sessions quantitatively. In conclusion, the ECCSIM-Lite system is expected to be useful for perfusion training, since quantitative information about the trainee's performance is recorded and it is possible to use the data for assessment and comparison.