A Novel Approach to Cadaver‐Based Soiled Airway Simulation
Effective management of heavily soiled airways is a critical and challenging skill across multiple clinical settings. Existing training methods rely largely on manikin-based simulators, which often lack sufficient anatomical realism and haptic fidelity. Here, we describe a novel, low-cost, and practical technique for simulating soiled airways in clinical-grade cadavers. The method employs readily available equipment, including a bougie, Foley catheter, and continuous bladder irrigation system, to rapidly deliver simulated bloody emesis into the proximal esophagus and oropharynx. This technique was successfully implemented on nine clinical-grade cadavers during emergency medicine (EM) and anesthesiology physician airway training sessions. All surveyed instructors reported marked improvements in realism and haptic fidelity compared with traditional manikin-based approaches, and no adverse events occurred during cadaver preparation or course delivery. This novel, cadaver-based soiled airway simulation technique offers a practical and reproducible approach to enhance soiled airway education and research.
Authors
- S E Hurley
- Patricia Marks
- Adam Parks
- James Gould
Institutions
- Dalhousie University (CA)
- University of British Columbia (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- AEM Education and Training
- Published
- 2026-05-11
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/aet2.70182
- Primary Topic
- Airway Management and Intubation Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- QEII Foundation