To begin, place a point-of-care ultrasound, or POCUS, device with a linear probe and a probe cover onto the prepared simulation model. Apply ultrasound gel to the area of interest in the simulation model. In a transverse view, visualize a simulated vessel in the simulation model.
Place the ultrasound probe on top of the simulation model and center the view of the vessel in the middle of the screen of the ultrasound device, where vessels appear as a black circular structure. Move the ultrasound probe across the simulation model to place the vessel in the center of the screen of the POCUS device so that the whole vascular structure is visible. Adjust the image size and contrast settings to obtain optimal vision of the vessel and surrounding tissue.
Press the freeze function button to freeze the image. Next, place digital markers to indicate the depth of the center of the vessel and to measure the diameter of the vessel. Rotate the ultrasound probe by 90 degrees to obtain a longitudinal view of the blood vessel.
Observe the direction of the vessel being aligned with the probe. Place the linear probe in a transverse view of the vessel. Remove the protective needle cover of the peripheral intravenous catheter cannula to commence the cannulation procedure.
Place the transverse vision of the vessel centrally on the screen of the POCUS device. Slowly and carefully cannulate in the middle of the linear probe the simulation model at an angle of around 40 degrees, aiming for the top of the vessel. Advance the needle tip into the tissue of the simulation model, aiming for the vessel.
While advancing through the tissue, visually identify the needle tip on the screen of the POCUS device. Further advance the needle through the tissue towards the vessel, following the needle tip with the ultrasound probe simultaneously. Visualize the needle tip entering the intervascular space, then level the needle to a shallower angle and advance it to rest in the center of the vessel.
To validate the position of the needle tip, change the angle of the ultrasound probe or move it in small increments back and forth until the needle tip visually disappears and reappears on the screen. Observe the opposite end of the peripheral intravenous catheter for some evidence of red-colored fluid to confirm correct placement. Finally, remove the stylet from the peripheral intravenous catheter.
