A medical mannequin for practicing tube thoracostomy

Abstract

A mannequin for students to practise the tube thoracostomy procedure was devised. The main structural features of the model were modified from a plastic male fashion-display dummy, of which the size is comparable to an average human body. Four rectangular spaces, each measuring 6 x 15 cm, were cut into the lateral chest area of the dummy, to create a lifelike model of the upper rib cage. After smoothning the cut edges, the inner sides of the spaces were lined by a sheet of sponge membrane, and the outer sides were covered with clear adhesive tape. Finally, a 10 x 15 cm size layer of artificial skin was placed over these modifications and held firml in place with cloth adhesive. The mannequin was designed for use in comprehensive practice of the entire thoracostomy tube insertion procedure, from the initial steps of antiseptic painting, sterile draping, local anesthetic agent injection, making an incision, subcutaneous dissection, and insertion of the tube into the pleural space, to proper connecting and caring of the tube. The practice kit is currently used as a teaching medium for the 5th year medical students in the Department of Surgery, Songklanagarind Hospital, Hat Yai, Thailand.

Keywords

• chest tube insertion
• medical mannequin
• tube thoracostomy procedure