New baby mannequin improves training

A new state-of-the-art mannequin has been introduced to Royal Brompton Hospital to help staff prepare for complex clinical scenarios.

The lifelike mannequin, called Harley Baby II, allows clinicians to simulate emergency cardiac (heart) procedures in infants in a more realistic way than ever before.

Harley Baby II is made of high-quality silicone with a replica of a toddler’s heart. It has reinforced skin and fat layers, with an incision down the chest, a metal chest opening mechanism and three chest drains (tubes).

Royal Brompton consultant paediatric and adult cardiac surgeon, Mr Andreas Hoschtitzky, said: “Harley Baby II is incredibly lifelike. It allows us to simulate cardiac surgery on an infant in a very realistic way, giving our clinicians confidence in real-life situations. It also enables us to analyse any issues that arise during critical clinical scenario training and take appropriate steps to change the way our teams work, and improve patient safety.”

The new mannequin was co-designed with clinicians, the Trust’s SPRinT team and Lifecast, and donated by the charity Friends of Royal Brompton.

 


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