AR351 - Pain Relief Manikin

This manikin has been designed by a Consultant Anaesthetist at the Manchester and Salford Pain Centre, UK. Accurate needle placement is required to guarantee the efficacy of many diagnostic pain clinic blocks and is mandatory when neurolytic solutions are used. Radiological screening to confirm needle placement should be routine and training for this needs to be practical. Attempts at regional anaesthesia by trainees who are not familiar with the techniques may result in uncomfortable and prolonged procedures for patients.

Design and Construction

The manikin consists of a plastic human skeleton coated with barium paint and covered with foam rubber and artificial skin on which trainees can practise the placement of needles under x-ray image intensifier control. The x-ray density of the manikin is low so that the doses of radiation used during simulated procedures are reduced.

Skills Demonstrated Using the Manikin

• Knowledge of surface anatomy applied to the individual nerve blocks
• Orientation of image and identification of appropriate radiographic landmarks
• Identification point of needle insertion and angle of direction
• Recognition of contact with deep bony structures
• Principle of withdrawing and directing needle to alter the angle

The end point of simulation is the correct radiographic appearance of the needle tip position for injection of contrast. Previously obtained examples of contrast spread can then be used to continue the simulation scenarios using a computer and monitor.

The model is supplied in an attractive carrying case