- 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 up and tap it to move any air bubbles upwards.
4. Aspirate the air before before filling for optimal imaging.
5. Inject 10 ml of fluid.
6. Remove 5 ml of fluid along with any air.
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.
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
3. As users withdraw fluid, it is refilled continuously from the IV bag
- 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. 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