A cervical cerclage task trainer for maternal-fetal medicine fellows and obstetrics/gynecology residents.
BACKGROUND
Performance of cervical cerclage is a difficult procedure for learners with limited operative experience. We present a task trainer for cervical cerclage, which can facilitate learner training in a preclinical environment.


METHODS
A simulated vagina is first fashioned out of polyvinyl chloride pipe material to allow an appropriately shaped pelvic structure. To simulate collapsible vaginal sidewalls, a foam covered with latex sheets is used to line the inside of the task trainer. A "cervix" is made by cutting cylinders approximately 2 in in diameter and 4 in in length in frozen cow muscle. After thawing, the cervical models are fastened to a semirigid foam disk with suture, which is used to secure the cervix inside the polyvinyl chloride pipe at the top of the simulated vagina. The full cervical cerclage task trainer is then secured in a holder to stabilize it in place. Placement of a cervical cerclage can then be practiced with standard vaginal cerclage instruments.


RESULTS
Cervical cerclage can be practiced in a nonclinical environment using this model. Several aspects of the procedure can be modified including the amount of vaginal tissue, length and caliber of the vagina, and pubic arch angle. This model allows beginning learners sequential training of increasing difficulty. Faculty and trainees alike found the trainer to be useful and felt that it helped in the acquisition of the surgical skills needed for cerclage placement in a clinical setting.


CONCLUSIONS
This low-cost task trainer can provide Maternal-fetal Medicine fellows and obstetric/gynecology residents the opportunity to practice cervical cerclage placement in a nonclinical environment. It may help physicians to obtain or maintain proficiency despite the relative low frequency of the procedure in modern obstetric practice.
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. jnitsche@wfumbc.edu
Joshua F
JF
Nitsche
Brian C
BC
Brost
D023802:Cerclage, Cervical / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D011247:Pregnancy; D002581:Uterine Cervical Incompetence / Q000601:surgery