Text reads: HomeGrown Solutions, HomeGrown Simulation Solutions, an initiative of INACSL, powered by the N L N S I R C.

HomeGrown Solution: Reusable Venous Ulcer for Use on Manikin or Standardized Participant

Title

Reusable Venous Ulcer for Use on Manikin or Standardized Participant

Submitted By

Jeff Carmack

HomeGrown Solution Number

285

Identification of the Problem

We needed a higher fidelity manner of simulating a venous wound ulcer on a standardized participant without having to reapply moulage for multiple runs of the same scenario spanning multiple days.

Unique Idea

Create a reusable silicone-based leg ulcer (molded form manikin leg ulcer using silicone per package instructions), realistically painted and applied to SP with panty-hose.

Objectives

Create a reusable venous ulcer wound for use with a manikin or an SP.

Supplies/Ingredients

  1. Liquid silicone product of choice
  2. A wound to make mold from
  3. Various colors of nail polish to match desired skin tones and typical wound bed colors (See staged picture collage for recommended colors)
  4. Also need a clear top/base coat polish
  5. Panty-hose and/or stretchy leggings (various sizes) of various colors to match skin tone of SP and polish colors used (cut legs into tube-like pieces/open at both ends)
  6. Super glue and Tape (optional)

Steps to Creating the Solution

  1. Protect work surface areas from all liquid products involved in this project
  2. Using an existing wound (we used a venous ulcer manikin leg) of your choice and a liquid silicone product of your choice, create a silicone mold of the 3-D wound desired. (See silicone product details for specific instructions). Be sure to make a thin layered mold of the wound so that it lays flatter on the SP’s skin, but thick enough to remain durable and hold desired shape or depth. (See Prototype Picture, Pictures A, B, & C)
  3. See first picture for finished silicone mold before color applied. See Picture D Apply clear base coat directly on silicone wound. Repeat several times to build up layers.
  4. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next.
  5. Apply a couple of layers of the desired skin tone layer, allowing each to dry before applying the next. Apply respective colors to wound bed and wound edges (See staged picture collage for color application)
  6. Once all layers are thoroughly dry, the new wound may be used in 1 of 2 ways:

 

a. Leaving the polish layer on the silicone mold, place the wound on the SP’s skin in the desired location, using a panty-hose sleeve cut into a tube shape (open on both ends)

i. Pull the panty-hose taunt. Use tape to secure the panty-hose edges at both edges to the SP.
ii. Cut a hole in the panty-hose directly over the concavity of the wound (See picture). Use superglue to secure the edges of the panty-hose hole to the edges of the wound.
iii. May need to superglue polish layer to silicone mold if you intend to use over and over. Polish layer tends to pull away from silicone fairly easily.
iv. Advantages/Disadvantages: This method preserves the concavity of the wound, but ties up your mold preventing you from making other wounds. (See single picture with panty-hose overlay)


b. The second method is to carefully peel the polish layer off of the silicone mold. This allows you to use the mold to make several wounds from the mold.

i. These wounds can be taped to the SP directly onto skin or over flesh colored leggings. Panty-hose can then be applied over SP skin or leggings to increase the realistic effect. (See Pictures E & H)
ii. Advantages/Disadvantages: This method tends to flatten the wound with repeated use. Using this method allows you to make multiple wounds with the same mold. A new wound can be made in about 30-45 minutes (including dry time between layers).

Images

Collage of 5 photos. Prototype shows real venous ulcer, stage 1 shows light pink indentation, stage 2 shows medium pink indentation, stage 3 shows deeper pink indentation with red ridge, and final shows darker pink indentation with a dark red ridge. Collage. Photo C: bottles of liquid silicone, pantyhose, tape. Photo D: dried silicone. Photo E: lighter simulated venous ulcer. Photo F: darker simulated venous ulcer. Photo G: nail polish bottles. Photo H: darker simulated venous ulcer under pantyhose. simulated venous ulcer with melanated surrounding skin calf with beige pantyhose with the simulated venous ulcer under the pantyhose

HomeGrown Disclaimer

The information contained within this website is for information purposes only. While the website is monitored in an attempt to keep the information up to date and accurate, be aware that there are no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, and/or suitability being made. The sponsors of this website are not liable for any loss or damage that may result from using information contained within this website. Any reliance you place on the information contained within this website is strictly at your own risk.

Please note that sections of this website include postings of individuals not associated with the website sponsors. These postings are not endorsed or warrantied by the website, and use of such information is at your own risk.

Always check the user guide/manuals provided by the manufacturer of your manikin or task trainer. Using products that are not sanctioned may invalidate the product warranty. (For example: Some products could stain the skin on a manikin. Liquids used around electrical parts may cause malfunctions.)