Peritoneal dialysis is taught to patients, families and nurses, often with a bag, a transfer set and a torso that has to behave like an abdomen. The BIX-L64 is built for that job: a realistic torso with a standard fistula location and simulated fluid outflow, designed for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) procedure practice.

Quick facts

What the torso teaches

The connection sequence. Opening the transfer set, connecting the bag, clamping and unclamping in the right order. The torso gives a stable, repeatable patient so the sequence can be rehearsed without risk.

Exit-site and catheter care. The standard fistula location lets the learner practise cleaning, dressing and inspecting the site.

Fluid exchange. Simulated outflow gives a visible endpoint: the learner sees what a completed exchange looks like, and the instructor can check that the clamp sequence was correct.

These are exactly the steps that determine whether CAPD succeeds at home. Peritonitis remains the main infectious complication of peritoneal dialysis, and the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis 2022 guideline emphasises prevention, including training and technique [1]. A torso that lets a patient rehearse the connection sequence before touching their own catheter is a prevention tool, not a demonstration prop.

Setting up a practice session

Step 1 — Set the scene. Place the torso at bed height, lay out the bag, transfer set, clamps, gloves and disinfectant in the order they will be used.

Step 2 — Demonstrate once, silently. Perform the full exchange without narration so the learner sees the sequence as a whole.

Step 3 — Narrate and repeat. Perform again, naming each step and the reason for it: why the clamp stays closed, why the connector is disinfected, why the bag is positioned below or above the abdomen depending on the phase.

Step 4 — Learner performs. The learner talks through each step as they do it. Talking aloud exposes skipped steps before they become habits.

Step 5 — Debrief. Ask what would change if the outflow were slow or the fluid were cloudy. Cloudy fluid is a warning sign that requires escalation, and the discussion belongs in the session.

Why a physical torso beats a video

Patients learning CAPD need hand-eye coordination, not information. A video shows the sequence; a torso lets the learner make the connection, feel the resistance, and recover from a mistake. Reviews of physical models find an advantage over 3D displays and textbooks for spatial learning [2], and simulation research shows that deliberate practice with feedback outperforms demonstration alone [3].

For patient education specifically, the torso also protects dignity: the learner practises on a model before working with their own catheter.

Procurement checks

1. Confirm the fistula location matches the technique taught in your unit (standard adult abdominal site).
2. Ask how the outflow is produced and whether the reservoir is replaceable.
3. Check the cleaning protocol for repeated use with simulated dialysate.
4. Request a replacement skin or catheter fitting if the model is used daily.
5. Confirm the language of the instruction manual for patient-facing programmes.

Where the model stops

• No complications. Peritonitis, exit-site infection and catheter malfunction are discussed, not simulated.
• No patient-specific anatomy. One torso cannot represent every body habitus.
• No fluid analysis. Cloudy or blood-stained effluent is a case discussion, not a model feature.
• Consumables required. Bags, transfer sets and simulated fluid are not included.

FAQ

Q1. Is this a full CAPD simulator? It is a training torso for CAPD procedure essentials: connection, exchange, exit-site care and simulated outflow. It does not simulate complications or lab results.

Q2. Who is it designed for? Patients learning home dialysis, nursing students and dialysis staff who teach technique.

Q3. What is the price and minimum order? Price is quoted per order. Email cprmodel@adaanatomy.com with quantity and destination for a current quotation.

Q4. What consumables do we need? Dialysis bags, transfer sets, clamps, disinfectant and simulated fluid. Ask for a starter list with the quotation.

Q5. How is the torso cleaned between learners? Follow the supplier's cleaning instructions for the skin and catheter fitting; confirm the approved disinfectant.

Q6. What warranty and spare parts are available? Warranty, replacement skin and catheter fittings should be confirmed in writing with the quotation.

References

1. Li PK, Chow KM, Cho Y, et al. ISPD peritonitis guideline recommendations: 2022 update on prevention and treatment. Perit Dial Int. 2022;42(2):110-153. doi:10.1177/08968608221080586
2. Preece D, Williams SB, Lam R, Weller R. "Let's get physical": advantages of a physical model over 3D computer models and textbooks in learning imaging anatomy. Anat Sci Educ. 2013;6(4):216-224. doi:10.1002/ase.1345
3. McGaghie WC, Issenberg SB, Cohen ER, et al. Does simulation-based medical education with deliberate practice yield better results than traditional clinical education? Acad Med. 2011;86(6):706-711. doi:10.1097/ACM.0b013e318217e119

Contact

For a quotation, the cleaning protocol or a starter consumable list: cprmodel@adaanatomy.com. Production follows ISO 45001 management practice; CE documentation is available for EU procurement.