Placental Veins Catheterization: A Realistic Simulation Model for Medical Students

Classical teaching has been based on “see one—do one.” More recently, a stepwise approach described that four steps: demonstration, deconstruction, comprehension, and performance.1,2 The process of achieving competence includes structured skill training, not just doing the technique.3Medical students have to learn perform several procedures before end their medical school training. One competences they need acquire is peripheral vein catheterization, which most common procedure performed in emergency department operating room. Many placed even one intravenous cannula during training because lack opportunity practice. On other hand, rapidly improve proficiency after only five attempts.4 Guidelines published regarding this acquisition, showing learning complex, simulators may be helpful.5To try help performance acquirement, developed. Simulators for catheterization limitations, complex are far from providing sensation mimics real experience. For students, transfer procedural skills acquired laboratory into clinical practice clearly established.6We propose cheap realistic strategy: human placenta as model catheterization. During cesarean delivery, once delivered out surgical field, umbilical vessels clamped, student allowed attempts at placental venous with 20-gauge or 18-gauge cannulas. As some supra-atmospheric pressure maintained inside vascular bed. soon inserted vein, blood reflux seen catheter, flows freely when catheter placed, happens routine patient. It allows observer/supervisor (the staff) confirm successful cannulation.One limitation catheterized, amount field decreases, sometimes big hematomas can develop very few seconds, decreases availability same specimen new attempt. This also strengths, main high number available specimens university hospital. Another advantage simulator model, it safe patients, staff. We believe more helpful tool nurses basic skill.The authors declare no competing interests.