A High-Realism and Cost-Effective Training Simulator for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Medical simulators, employed in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), are burdened with costly equipment and low-fidelity methodologies. This dichotomy necessitated a new approach that eliminates high-costs and integrates with the critical care environment. This is especially applicable after the Coronavirus pandemic, where resources and supplies are evermore scarce. After examining the state-of-the-art and establishing a close collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the main healthcare provider in Qatar, several criteria were identified to advance the cutting-edge. In this article, a high-realism, cost-effective ECMO simulator is presented. It runs on a novel blood simulation technology along with simulation modules. An instructor tablet application enables instructors to orchestrate the training experience wirelessly with real-time performance. It also includes a novel scenario designer for implementing consistent simulation curricula. A product-level simulator with high-fidelity casings is in the final integration phases. Current results include developing and testing the simulated blood circuit, simulation modules for hemorrhaging, line chattering, air bubbles noise, and a replicated console along with an integrated communications system. Nineteen specialists rated the fidelity of the system as highly realistic during a questionnaire-based study. It is expected to run a second study to evaluate the educational efficacy of the simulator as a first-of-its-kind in the region.