Realistic Carotid Endarterectomy and Vascular Surgery Training

The LifeLike Carotid Head Simulator is a realistic vascular surgery training model developed for practising carotid artery exposure, plaque removal, carotid endarterectomy and vascular repair.

The reusable adult head model features a pre-cut operative incision along the neck. This provides access to an internal cavity where a replaceable LifeLike Carotid Artery with Plaque can be positioned at an appropriate surgical angle.

Trainees can work through the confined neck opening using standard vascular instruments, providing a more realistic training experience than a flat benchtop vessel model. The simulator is available with or without a pulsatile pump system, allowing institutions to select the configuration best suited to their training programme.

Key Features

• Realistic adult head and neck configuration
• Pre-cut neck incision for operative access
• Designed for carotid endarterectomy training
• Positions the carotid bifurcation at a realistic working angle
• Compatible with the LifeLike Carotid Artery with Plaque
• Supports carotid dissection, plaque removal and vascular suturing
• Available with or without a pulsatile flow system
• Reusable simulator with replaceable carotid artery models
• Compact and easy to incorporate into surgical skills sessions
• Non-toxic, biohazard-free and odourless

Clinical Skills and Procedures

The LifeLike Carotid Head Simulator provides a structured platform for developing and evaluating skills used during open carotid surgery, including:

• Carotid artery exposure through a neck incision
• Carotid vessel identification and handling
• Common, internal and external carotid artery orientation
• Dissection around the carotid bifurcation
• Arteriotomy technique
• Accessing and removing simulated carotid plaque
• Carotid endarterectomy
• Bifurcation and arterial closure suturing
• Needle control and accurate suture placement
• Suture spacing and tension management
• Assessment of the completed repair under simulated flow

Realistic Operative Access

The replaceable carotid artery model is positioned within channels inside the simulator so that its bifurcation and plaque sit centrally within the neck opening.

Learners must perform the procedure through the defined operative incision, recreating the restricted access, working depth and instrument angles encountered during open carotid surgery.

This makes the simulator suitable for progressing from basic isolated vessel suturing to more advanced procedure-based carotid surgery training.

LifeLike Carotid Artery with Plaque

The simulator is designed for use with the replaceable LifeLike Carotid Artery with Plaque. The model includes common, internal and external carotid branches together with a simulated plaque region for endarterectomy practice.

After the training procedure has been completed, the used carotid artery can be removed and replaced while retaining the main head simulator, tubing and connectors for future sessions.

Optional Pulsatile Flow System

The Carotid Head Simulator is available with or without a pulsatile pump. The pump version circulates water through the installed carotid artery model, providing simulated vascular flow during training.

Following plaque removal and vessel closure, the pump can be used to examine the completed repair under flow and identify potential leakage. This gives learners immediate feedback on the quality of their suturing and repair technique.

Suitable for Professional Surgical Education

• Vascular surgery trainees and fellows
• Consultant-led surgical education
• Medical schools and teaching hospitals
• Surgical skills laboratories
• Clinical simulation centres
• Carotid endarterectomy workshops
• Vascular suturing and dissection courses
• Medical device training and demonstrations
• Competency-development programmes

Product Specifications

Available Configurations

• Carotid Head Simulator with Pump: Includes the pulsatile flow system for assessing the completed vascular repair under simulated circulation.
• Carotid Head Simulator without Pump: Suitable for carotid exposure, plaque removal and suturing practice where simulated flow is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which procedure is the simulator designed for?

It is primarily designed for carotid endarterectomy training, including carotid exposure, plaque removal and vascular closure.

Is the carotid artery included?

The LifeLike Carotid Artery with Plaque is a replaceable training model and is sold separately unless it is specifically included in your quotation or package.

Can the head simulator be reused?

Yes. The main head simulator, tubing and connectors can be retained for repeated training sessions. The operated carotid artery model is removed and replaced as required.

Is a pulsatile pump included?

The product is available in two configurations. Select either the version with a pulsatile pump or the simulator without a pump.

Does the simulator contain latex?

Yes. The manufacturer states that the LifeLike Carotid Head Simulator contains latex.