- Method A: Syringe Fill (also to remove air)
1. Remove the cap of the fill tube.
2. Fill a syringe half-full and connect it to the tube.
3. Hold the tube upright for at least 60 seconds and tap it to move any air bubbles upwards.
4. Aspirate the air before filling for optimal imaging.
5. SLOWLY infuse the refill solution into the arterial tube in 5ml increments
6 Purge air after each successive 5ml by pulling back on the plunger
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 until all the air is removed and the vessels are filled.
8. Replace the cap.
Method B: IV Bag/Quick-Fill port for high-volume use
1. Connect an IV bag containing CAE Blue Phantom fluid to the fill tube.
2. Hang the IV bag no more than 12 inches (30 cm) above the training model to avoid overfilling.
3. As users withdraw fluid, it is refilled continuously from the IV bag
- NOTE: A clear sign of overfill is the appearance of small dimples of simulated fluid on the surface of the model at the sites of previous cannulations
- Optimal filled vessel: An optimally-filled vessel can be identified using ultrasound by the presence of a black echo-free lumen.
- A low fluid trainer: inability to see the vessel during normal ultrasound imaging. This is due to the presence of air, which reflects all sound energy.
- Fluid Overfill
You can overfill fluid spaces and vessels if you inject too much fluid or if IV bag is placed at an elevation significantly higher than the training platform.
Overfill does not usually result in permanent damage, but you should correct it as soon as possible. Withdraw excess fluid to alleviate overfill, or, with the Quick Fill method, make sure the IV bag is not hanging any higher than 12 inches (30 cm) above the training model
Removing Air
To remove air:
1. Fill a syringe with fluid and connect it to the tube.
2. Infuse fluid, and tilt the model up at least 6-10” so any air rises to the top.
3. Let the model sit for at least one hour to allow any air to rise.
4. Use the syringe to slowly pull the fluid out of the model.
5. Watch for air bubbles and let them rise to the top (back) of the syringe.
6. Slowly push fluid back in without pushing the air in.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 three to four times.
8. Empty the syringe into a container and use it to remove any additional fluid, then disconnect it.
NOTE: When all the fluid is removed, the syringe will be under vacuum. Do not put excessive
force on the syringe or the tissue may rupture.
9. If there is still air, fill any fluid spaces or vessels with fluid and let the model sit overnight, then
repeat the procedure.