High-Fidelity Simulation

Photo by Dwight C. Andrews/McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston Office of Communications
Using the latest in simulation technology, our students and other allied health professionals become proficient in various extracorporeal methods that are essential to perfusion. We simulate cardiovascular procedures using the heart-lung machine, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and other circulatory support devices. All simulations are made possible by Biomed Simulation Inc.’s Califia Patient Simulator, a high-fidelity simulator that emulates a patient during a cardiovascular procedure allowing new users and experts alike to be trained to the highest level.
Our simulation course is divided into three sections. The first section is dedicated to the heart-lung machine’s design and the utilization of extracorporeal circuits. The second section teaches how all aspects of the heart lung machine are incorporated during a complete cardiovascular procedure. The third section emphasizes more complex procedures, as well as crisis management.
The objective of our simulation lab is teaching students and other medical professionals the detail and proficiency required in caring for cardiovascular patients. These simulations also allow us to train together using diverse techniques to ensure safety and successful outcomes for our patients.