About the Facilities

Clinical Skills Assessment

Event Orientations

Directions to the IERC

Hear How Faculty Use the IERC

Meet the Staff

Policies and Procedures

Request Forms

Scheduling and Use Guidelines

Simulators

Standardized Patient Program



IERC Home

2-241 Phillips-Wangensteen Building
(Mayo Mail Code 261)
516 Delaware St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

phone (612) 624-9691
fax (612) 624-9690
e-mail: wollx003@umn.edu

CathSim

CathSim® Vascular Access Simulator (from Immersion Medical) gives students a highly-interactive learning experience. With the AccuTouch® Tactile Feedback device, the student is able to feel the needle and catheter insertion from the 'pop' as the needle enters the skin through entry into the vein lumen.

Click here for a CathSim demonstration.

You'll need the QuickTime Player plug-in to view the CathSim file (.mov) above. If you don't have this plug-in, go to Apple's QuickTime Download Site to download and install the FREE QuickTime Player on your computer.

Until CathSim was developed, nursing and phlebotomy students had to learn how to start an IV or draw blood using rubber arms, oranges, or each other. Other healthcare professionals learned only by practicing on patients. Now, both groups are using CathSim for skills acquisition, skills maintenance, skills measurement, and IV certification.

CathSim combines cognitive and motor skills training into an integrated learning experience. It provides a variety of patient types encountered in real life and even creates complications. The IERC has two CathSim simulators available for your use.

Click here to download the Intravenous Cannulation teaching points that accompany the CathSim trainer videos.

The Simulators Contain Six Learning Modules

Features and Benefits

•	Needle-stick device provides realistic force feedback 'pop' as the user performs veinipuncture, allowing the user to experience the feel of the real procedure.
•	Pre- and post-procedure videos demonstrate best practices.
•	Patients of different ages, skin color, and health conditions are included.
•	Optional transparent and side views show underlying anatomy and angle of needle insertion.
•	Safety needles are introduced for the healthcare professional now encouraged to use them.
•	Cognitive content reinforces aseptic technique and proper medical waste disposal.
•	Instructional design allows for independent learning, reducing the cost of supervision.
•	Realistic images and audio feedback combine with touch to involve all the key senses.
•	Modular design allows cost effective simulation of multiple needle-stick procedures on the same platform.
•	System is mobile for convenience in the training institution.

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