Bedside Pericardiocentesis
SIMULATION TYPE
Procedural
SIMULATION DURATION
10 minutes
PATIENT AGE GROUP
Adult
TARGET AUDIENCE
RN, NP, PA, Physician, Medical Students
Jonas, a 64-year-old male, presents with hemodynamic instability requiring emergent bedside pericardiocentesis to relieve cardiac tamponade. Your objective is to perform the procedure with precision and efficiency to restore hemodynamic stability.
Pericardiocentesis is a high-stakes, life-saving intervention that demands technical expertise and clinical judgment. This VR simulation provides hands-on training in ultrasound-guided parasternal long approach using a standard central line kit, equipping learners with the skills necessary to execute the procedure confidently in acute emergency scenarios.
- Demonstrating proper sterile technique to minimize infection risk during pericardiocentesis
- Performing ultrasound-guided needle insertion to safely access and drain pericardial effusion
- Managing procedural steps efficiently to ensure accurate fluid aspiration and safe equipment handling
- Evaluating post-procedure complications by assessing the patient and obtaining a chest X-ray
- American Heart Association. (2021). Guidelines for emergency pericardiocentesis.
Customize Your Program
Get rid of the editor. Adopt in-VR customization.
MedVR Education is bringing to you in-VR customization that will enable you to customize your procedural simulations by making selections from a range of feature choices.Â
- Select patient from a diverse background
- Choose preferred virtual environment
- Select equipment used in the procedure
- Modify difficulty level of the assessment mode
- …..many more to come
Multi-playerSessions
Physics-based Interactions
Core Skills Training
Performing Bedside Pericardiocentesis
As part of the Bedside Pericardiocentesis simulation, the user will begin by obtaining consent if possible, performing hand hygiene, and preparing the sterile field. The learner will then use ultrasound to identify pericardial effusion and guide needle insertion into the pericardial space while continuously aspirating fluid. Once fluid is successfully drained, the user will complete the procedure by removing the needle, disposing of sharps, and assessing the patient for complications, including obtaining a chest X-ray. All necessary affordances are provided to ensure an efficient and safe execution of the procedure.
Training
With prompts, guidance and affordances learners are hand-held through the process to practice the procedure in a virtual environment with a virtual patient. Â
- Photorealistic virtual environment Â
- Physics-based interactions Â
- Detailed instructions Â
- Adequate affordances to assist in task completion 
Assessment
Test acquired skills to perform the procedures from start to finish without prompts. An incorrect step will take the learner back to the start to start afresh. Â
- Live scoring Â
- Instant feedback Â
- Adequate affordances for efficient performance Â
- Time tracking to monitor activity completion 
