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Skills
Lab

The Skills Lab at the Houston Shock Symposium offers hands-on training on all aspects of mechanical circulatory support device therapies.

Station 1

Station 1

Axial Flow Pumps

  • Setup of Impella (connection/single fluid line flushing, initial console management and range support, troubleshooting, etc.)

  • Software (real-time pump metrics, LVP and CPO on AIC, review of SmartAssist sensor capabilities, Impella Connect app and management)

Station 2

Counterpulsation

  • IABP connection (conventional and fiberoptic) and setup, troubleshooting, etc.

  • IABP console features and adjustments

  • ECMO cannulation and connection

  • CardioHelp console operation, adjustments and troubleshooting

Station 2
Station 3

Station 3

Intravascular Imaging for Optimal PCI Guided Technology

  • Bedside troubleshooting with Nautilus SMART ECMO module

  • Crisis scenario demonstrations with discussions on changes in key parameters and problem solving techniques

  • Target audience: perfusionists, ECLS specialists, and RN's

Station 4

Large Bore Access

  • Operation and handling of a linear US probe

  • Identification of femoral vessels and optimal puncture site

Station 4
Station 5

Station 5

ICE + Transseptal Puncture

  • Operation and image acquisition using ICE

  • Identification of septum and optimal puncture site

  • Safe transseptal puncture with NRG Baylis needle

Station 6

Large Bore Access Closure 

  • Identification of optimal vessel size/depth/puncture site

  • Assembly and deployment of Manta device

  • Assembly and deployment of Prostar device

  • Flushing and deployment of Proglide device

Station 6
Station 7

Station 7

ECMO Cannulation and Initiation

  • Operation and handling of a linear US probe

  • Identification of femoral vessels and optimal puncture site

  • Serial dilation and cannulation of femoral vessels for access

  • ECMO initiation

  • Troubleshooting access issues

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