Question 1

How do I get the best ultrasound image?

Accepted Answer

Use gel and increase the gain to the maximum to visualize the anatomical structures, then dial back the gain as necessary. Switching to a vascular preset and turning off tissue harmonics will also improve the image.

Question 2

What size needle should I use?

Accepted Answer

25 Gauge is recommended for longer life but no larger than 22 gauge

Question 3

Are needles supplied with the product?

Accepted Answer

No. Most users prefer to utilize needles currently used in their practice.

Question 4

What is the life of a MINISIM Simulator?

Accepted Answer

There is no standard answer since it depends on the user and procedure but the following have an impact on simulator life:

Needles size used - 22G or smaller is best. Never use a Touhy tipped needle.
How the needle is manipulated during placement- aggressive redirection should be avoided

Valkyrie simulators have been used in monthly is numerous training programs worldwide for more than 3 years without replacement!

Question 5

What is a track mark?

Accepted Answer

Track marks are formed when a needle is passed through the simulator creating a micro channel or fissure in the material
The channel fills with air as the needle is withdrawn
Oil within the material will fill the track and push the air out. As the air dissipates, the track mark fades
Hint:
Purchase an additional insert to change out for busy training programs. This will allow one to “heal” while the other is in use.

Question 6

How long does it take for track marks to "Heal"?"

Accepted Answer

Usually within days depending on size of the track

Question 7

Can I speed up “Healing” process for track marks?

Accepted Answer

Storing the product in a warm environment can sometime help depending on the size of the track mark. However, avoid directly heating the simulator as this may lead to deformation and permanent damage.
 
Hint:
Use small gauge needles

Question 8

How is in-service training performed?

Accepted Answer

Since in person product training is not always possible, we have developed a series of videos and simple pictorial instructions for use (IFU) which are included with your system.
 
The IFU contains instructions for care and use including the scanned target.

Question 9

Can I practice placing catheters in MINISIM Simulators?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the understanding that
Larger needles must be used to assist catheter placement which results in larger track marks and shorter simulator life
Large track marks take longer to heal and can cause permanent damage
Advancement of the catheter will require more force than is typical with human tissue
Hint:
 
Order a rotation insert to have an additional insert while allowing time for your insert to “heal” from the use of the larger needles and catheters.

Question 10

How can I place my order?

Accepted Answer

By contacting us.
By purchasing from our on line store.

Question 11

What form or payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Credit card
Bank transfer

Question 12

When will my payment be due?

Accepted Answer

Payment is due at the time of ordering unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Question 13

Will I receive an order confirmation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The email confirmation will provide a detailed copy of your order.

Question 14

When will I receive my order?

Accepted Answer

The average is 14-30 days depending on which product is ordered.

Question 15

Will all products in my order be shipped together?

Accepted Answer

Normally your order will be held until all products ordered are available.
 
You can request partial shipments (additional shipping charges will apply.)

Question 16

Do I pay shipping charges?

Accepted Answer

Shipping cost will be quoted and added to your order.

Question 17

What is the return policy?

Accepted Answer

Returns must be made within 15 days of receipt
Returns must have the Returns Good Authorization number clearly stated on the label.
Returns are accepted if:
Product is defective
Wrong product received

Question 18

Do MINISIM Simulators have a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes – 6 month manufacturing warranty from the date of shipment.

Question 19

What does the warranty cover?

Accepted Answer

Defects in workmanship and components for the simulator only
Accessories like camera, trays, and case are also covered under this warranty
Warranty does not cover any misuse or abuse

Question 20

How do I request a warranty replacement?

Accepted Answer

Contact Us.
 
Provide complete details and Customer Service will assist you with your request

Question 21

What if my package is damaged when received?

Accepted Answer

Pictorially document the damage
Contact the shipping company claims department

Question 22

How do I place a customer complaint?

Accepted Answer

Contact Us.
 
Provide details and Customer Service will follow-up to help you resolve any issues.

Question 23

Will someone call me regarding my complaint?

Accepted Answer

No. Due to time differences around the world, we will communicate by email.

Question 24

How long does it take customer serice to respond?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond within 48 hours.

Question 25

What landmarks should I expect to see?

Accepted Answer

Each simulator will contain all of the typical landmarks associated with the specific block.
Refer to the catalog for a listing of internal and external landmarks for each model.
Typical landmarks include vessel, nerve(s). bone, fascial planes and muscle.

Question 26

Do MINISIM Simulators come with a Pulsatile pump?

Accepted Answer

Except for Vascular access models MINISIM Simulators have solid vessels to avoid permanent puncture damage that causes fluid leakage.

Question 27

How do I fill the vessels?

Accepted Answer

Only Vascular Access vessels require filling.
 
Hint:
Remove the insert
Remove the plugs for the vessels
Using an air purged syringe, filled with clean sterile water, fill the vessels until the bubble at the top
Replace the plugs
When finished drain the vessels
Tip: Add a small amount of alcohol to water to reduce the likelihood of bacterial or fungal growth

Question 28

How should I store my Simulator?

Accepted Answer

Keep in a dry room at room temperature.
 
Hint:
If in a cold region, make sure your Simulator is above 10° C for optimal visualization.

Question 29

Do I need to change the ultrasound settings?

Accepted Answer

Because simulators do not contain fluid like the human body, you should adjust the Gain for optimal image.
 
Hint:
In most cases gain should be increased. If your Ultrasound has THI (Tissue Harmonics Imaging), disable while scanning a simulator. Using a vascular presets often produces the best image.

Question 30

Does my simulator require the use of gel?

Accepted Answer

Gel is recommended for ease of use and optimal image.
 
Hint:
 
Use small amounts and clean before storing

Question 31

How do I clean my Simulator?

Accepted Answer

Clean with a damp and soapy cloth or alcohol wipes.
 
Hint:
 
Clean before placing back in storage

Question 32

Why do I see a black shadow when scanning?

Accepted Answer

Acoustic shadowing on an ultrasound image is characterized by a signal void behind structures that strongly absorb or reflect ultrasonic waves. This happens most frequently with solid structures, as sound conducts most rapidly in areas where molecules are closely packed, such as in bone.
 
When the ultrasound beam reflects back and forth between the reflectors ("reverberates"), the ultrasound transducer interprets the sound waves returning as deeper structures since it took longer for the wave to return to the transducer.
 
Hint
Reverberation artifacts can be improved by changing the angle of insonation so that reverberation between strong parallel reflectors cannot occur.

Question 33

How do I see the needle tip?

Accepted Answer

The needle must be properly aligned with the probe in order to visualize the needle or needle tip.
For in-plane the needle must be parallel to and directly under the centre of the probe.
For out-of-plane the tip will only become visible once it has passed through the ultrasound beam. Additional small movement of the probe away from the needle shaft will allow the tip to be tracked as it move deeper. A common error is to keep the probe stationary and advance the needle without tip confirmation resulting in erroneous observation of the shaft in the belief that it is the tip.
 
Hint
Realignment the probe to the needle, not the needle to the probe. Probe alignment movement should be very small and typically will not result in the required anatomical image being lost.

Question 34

Can I inject fluid around the nerve?

Accepted Answer

You can inject into the simulator fluid around the nerve but because the nerve is a solid structure, you will encounter high pressure just as you would expect in a human. In this case you can determine if your needle is within the nerve.
 
Hint
Withdraw before injecting just as you would in a patient.

Question 35

Can I thread a catheter into the simulator?

Accepted Answer

You can thread a catheter, but this usually means the use of an 18g needle which will decrease the life of your simulator insert.
 
Hint
Purchase an additional insert if you are going to use large needles. It will require much longer for track mark to dissipate. A busy training program can require insert change.

Question 36

What supplies do I need to use my simulator?

Accepted Answer

Small gauge needle (23 or 22g)
Ultrasound
Standard ultrasound gel
Water and alcohol if it is a Vascular Access model
Wipes or cloth for cleaning (hand wipes work fine)
Epidural needle and LOR syringe for Epidural model (catheter can also be used)
Hint
Smaller gauge needles increase life.

Question 37

Why does my simulator have a bubble?

Accepted Answer

A bubble or bubbles might form under the surface to indicate damage from fluid injections. Simulators are cast with layers of material to resemble human anatomy. These layers can separate over time from repeated bolus injections.

It is important to follow injection instructions for longer life. 
Order your replacement insert here.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions