CME Course: In Situ Simulation as a Tool to Optimize Emergency Response for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Nadav Levy, MD, Lior Levy, MD, Dario Winterton, MD, Matthew Gao, DO, Christopher Mallard, MD, MS, Federico Puerta Martinez, MD
Published January 23, 2025 | Clinics in Medical Education
Issue 5 | Volume 1 | January 2025
We are excited to provide an update on our simulation training program, which continues to enhance the educational experience for our residents and faculty. A one and half hour long CME workshop was conducted where two parallel simulations were run simultaneously, each involving a multidisciplinary team, including anesthesiologists, surgeons, and CRNAs.
We conducted an in situ simulation in the operating room to manage a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The in situ setup provided an immersive experience, emphasizing the importance of precise communication, rapid decision-making, and effective coordination between anesthesia and surgical teams. By using high-fidelity equipment, the simulation closely mirrored the challenges faced during actual AAA emergencies, helping to refine technical skills and improve overall team performance under pressure. Both simulations followed the same protocolized approach, where the anesthesia team worked on stabilizing the patient, ensuring fluid resuscitation, monitoring hemodynamics, and managing anesthesia, while the surgical team focused on the rapid repair of the ruptured aneurysm. The goal was to replicate a real-life emergency scenario, emphasizing the importance of seamless communication and coordination between anesthesia and surgery. By conducting in situ simulations, we aimed to improve team performance, enhance decision-making under pressure, and ensure a synchronized response to the management of a ruptured AAA, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

