A Simulator for Perfusion Training

A perfusionist conducts cardiopulmonary bypass by managing a patient on a heart lung machine during open heart surgery. The perfusionist is responsible for taking corrective actions while the heart lung machine is working normally and under fault conditions. These responsibilities can be met only if the perfusionist has sufficient skills, dexterity and training. In this study, a simulator was developed to provide pre-clinical experience for perfusion students. The system is composed of a laptop computer (PC) controlling various solenoids, relays, and electronic components which are interfaced at a Sarns 9000 heart lung machine. Electronic components are connected to the parallel port of the PC. The software in the PC turns on or off relays and solenoids that affect the heart lung machine and the simulated patient. The system simulates the real operating room (OR) environment. The trainer can direct the system to work normally or cause the system to simulate problems that may appear during open heart surgery. Hence, the instructor can evaluate performance of the student by observing his or her reactions to the faults. The system was tested by a perfusion team and was found to be useful in training perfusion students prior to clinical rotations.