Blue Phantom True Anatomy™ Series Use and Care Instructions
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Accessing & Refilling the Simulated Vessels
1.
The simulated blood contained within the model’s blood vessels is a specially formulated fluid offering optimal
performance of the model. It is very important that you only utilize Blue Phantom’s simulated blood refill solution.
Using other fluid will cause problems including; changes in the imaging qualities of the blood vessels, reduction in the
ability to thread catheters, and fungal or bacterial growth within the vessels.
USING FLUID OTHER THAN THAT SUPPLIED BY OR PURCHASED THROUGH BLUE PHANTOM WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
2.
Users can remove fluid after the veins have been properly cannulated to confirm needle placement. Please note that
any fluid withdrawn from the vessel will require refilling.
3.
It is important to maintain a good fluid level within the simulated blood vessels. Users can experience a reduction in the
amount of fluid or small amounts of air in the simulated vessels through normal repeated use. While this is directly
dependent upon the amount of fluid removed during simulation training, the phantom vessels can be easily refilled and
air can be purged from the system without difficulty using the following method;
A.
Determine if the fluid filled structures within your model require refilling. The presence of air within a structure or a
noticeably low fluid volume indicates the fluid filled structures require refilling.
1.
Using ultrasound: An optimally filled vessel will be identified by the presence of a black echo-free lumen
(refer to Image A). A low fluid environment is identified by the inability to visualize the vessel(s) during
normal imaging situations (refer to Image B). This is due to the presence of air within the vessels which
will reflect all of the sound energy.
2.
Non-imaging; the visible presence of air.
Image A
Image B
B.
Materials required for refilling a vessel;
Ultrasound Phantom
Simulation fluid from Blue Phantom
A small bore needle (21-25 gauge)
One 10 ml syringe
4.
Injecting fluid after each cannulation.
By far the simplest way to maintain a good fluid level in the vessels is to have
users inject the accessed fluid back into the model after gaining access to the vessel. This is limited to users that are not
performing the entire catheter placement procedure.
