TissueDB/Simulators/Foley Catheter Tamponade Simulator
General Information
The Foley Catheter Tamponade Simulator is a fully mechanical hemorrhage control trainer adapted from the Hemostatic Foley Simulator developed by CrashSavers. The original instructions are at the CrashSavers Appropedia page and the accompanying Step-by-Step Building Manual (PDF). The simulator uses a PVC pipe frame supporting a 4" PVC pipe body (the wound cavity) with an internal balloon mechanism. A hand-operated fumigator pump circulates water through a latex hose threaded through the PVC mechanism via ½"-to-¼" adapters. When the trainee inflates the Foley catheter balloon inside the PVC pipe opening, it compresses against the internal mechanism and restricts or stops fluid flow — simulating hemostatic tamponade. This provides real-time visual feedback: successful balloon tamponade stops the flow; insufficient inflation allows continued flow.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| General Information | Fully mechanical hemorrhage control trainer using a PVC pipe frame with an internal balloon mechanism. A hand-operated fumigator pump circulates water through a latex hose. When a Foley catheter balloon is inserted and inflated, it compresses against the internal mechanism and restricts fluid flow, simulating hemostatic tamponade with real-time visual feedback. Adapted from the Hemostatic Foley Simulator developed by CrashSavers.[1] |
| Features and Basic Operation | Not stated in source |
| Current Development Status | Pilot-tested |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | 45–90 minutes |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | Hand saw, drill, drill bits (1/8" and 1/2"), Philips screwdrivers, pliers, 400-grit sandpaper, measuring tape, C-clamp, wrenches. Rotary tool (Dremel) optional. |
| Version | Simple Version 1.0 |
| Development Team Contact Information | CrashSavers |
Design note: Unlike the Tourniquet Simulator and Wound Packing Simulator (which use wood frames), this simulator uses an all-PVC pipe frame. The fluid system design (fumigator pump, latex hose, water bottle reservoir) is shared across all three CrashSavers hemorrhage simulators.
Tissues
| Tissue | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not applicable — this simulator is structural-only. The Foley catheter balloon is inserted into a PVC pipe body and internal balloon mechanism; no tissue-simulating materials are used. | ||||
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Components | ||||
| Frame short pipes (P1) | 4 | Heat pipe ½" (23 cm length) | $4.04[2] | Short horizontal pipes; two per short side of the base rectangle, with a J1 T-joint splitting each short side at its midpoint. |
| Frame long pipes (P2) | 2 | Heat pipe ½" (36 cm length) | $3.17[2] | Long horizontal pipes forming the two long sides of the base rectangle. |
| Vertical leg pipes (P3) | 2 | Heat pipe ½" (32 cm length) | $2.81[2] | Vertical legs rising from the base J1 T-joints in the middle of each short side, supporting the elevated upper frame. |
| Upper lateral pipes (P4) | 4 | Heat pipe ½" (12.5 cm length) | $2.20[2] | Lateral cantilever pipes extending outward from the upper J1 caps atop the legs (two per leg, in opposite directions). |
| Upper longitudinal pipes (P5) | 2 | Heat pipe ½" (36 cm length) | $3.17[2] | Upper longitudinal pipes connecting the lateral J2 corners on each side, forming the long sides of the elevated upper frame (PDF Step 9). |
| Frame T-joints (J1) | 5 | PVC T-joint ½" | $3.40[2] | Two T-joints in the middle of the base short sides; two T-joints atop the vertical legs as caps; one T-joint inside the 4" PVC body for the mechanism. |
| Frame elbow joints (J2) | 8 | PVC elbow 90° ½" | $7.12[2] | Four corner elbows at the base rectangle; four corner elbows at the lateral ends of the P4 pipes where they turn into the P5 longitudinals. |
| PVC bonding agent | 1 | PVC glue | $8.99[2] | For permanent PVC pipe-to-joint bonds throughout the frame and mechanism. |
| Simulator Body and Mechanism | ||||
| Main simulator body (PVC) | 1 | PVC pipe 4" (20 cm length) | $9.26[2] | Wound cavity simulator. Foley catheter balloon is inserted into one end. Capacity approximately 800–1000 mL. |
| Mechanism inner pipe (P6) | 1 | Heat pipe ½" (15 cm length) | $0.66[2] | ½" heat pipe segment used inside the mechanism. Connected to a J1 T-joint within the 4" PVC body. |
| Internal mechanism pipe (P7) | 1 | Heat pipe ½" (8 cm length) | $0.35[2] | Threaded vertically through a J1 T-joint mounted in the middle of the 4" PVC body. Creates the internal channel of the hemostatic mechanism. |
| Hose connection adapters (A1) | 2 | Adapter ½" to ¼" | $12.02[2] | Reduce pipe diameter from ½" to ¼" at both ends of the mechanism to accept the 5 mm latex hose. |
| Internal cavity insert (B) | 1 | Modeling balloon ½" | $0.10[2] | Inserted into the 4" PVC body opening. Provides the internal compression target the Foley catheter balloon presses against when inflated. Typical balloon capacity 30 mL. |
| Fluid System | ||||
| Water conduit hose | 1 | Latex hose (5 mm diameter, 1 m length) | $7.22[2] | Connected to both ends of the mechanism via A1 adapters. Carries water through the simulator circuit; visible fluid flow gives feedback on tamponade success. |
| Connection sealant | 1 | Teflon tape | $3.99[2] | Wrap all hose connections to prevent leaks. |
| Fluid pressure pump | 1 | Water pump (fumigator / hand-operated pump sprayer) | $24.99[2] | Creates fluid pressure simulating blood flow. Hand-operated. Shared design with Tourniquet Simulator and Wound Packing Simulator. |
| Water reservoir | 1 | Plastic water bottle (> 32 oz / 950 mL capacity) | — (repurposed) | Collects water returning from the simulator circuit. Recommended capacity 1000 mL to allow adequate water circulation without frequent refilling. |
| Hose securing ties | As needed | Plastic cable ties (bag) | $3.99[2] | Secure hose at multiple points along the frame. Do not overtighten — ties should hold hose without restricting flow. |
Build Instructions
Phase 1: Resources and Preparation
Source PDF: Hemostatic Foley Simulator — Step by Step Building Guide[1]
Step 1: Cut all ½" heat pipes to the lengths specified in the source PDF Materials Code Letter Table: P1 = 23 cm (×4), P2 = 36 cm (×2), P3 = 32 cm (×2), P4 = 12.5 cm (×4), P5 = 36 cm (×2), P6 = 15 cm (×1), P7 = 8 cm (×1). Sand all cut edges with 400-grit sandpaper.
Step 2: Cut the 4" PVC pipe to 20 cm length. Sand cut edges smooth.
Step 3: Dry-fit all PVC joints (J1 T-joints and J2 elbows) to verify fit before applying PVC glue. PVC glue bonds are permanent — verify alignment before committing.
Phase 2: Fabrication — Support Frame
Safety note: Wear appropriate safety gear (eye protection, gloves) during all cutting and drilling operations.
Step 4: Build the first short side of the base (P1 + J1 + P1) and cap each open end with a J2 elbow. Dry-fit first, then apply PVC glue. (PDF Section 1.3.1 Step 1.)
Step 5: Insert a P2 long pipe into each J2 elbow; cap the open ends with J2 elbows; build and install the second short side (P1 + J1 + P1) to close the base rectangle. Apply PVC glue and allow all base joints to cure (typically 15–30 minutes per glue manufacturer). (PDF Steps 2–4.)
Step 6: Insert 2 P3 vertical leg pipes (32 cm each) into the J1 T-joints in the middle of each base short side. Apply PVC glue to secure. (PDF Step 5.)
Step 7: Cap each P3 leg with a J1 T-joint at the top, oriented so the side openings face laterally outward. (PDF Step 6.)
Step 8: Insert two P4 short pipes (12.5 cm each) into each upper J1 cap, extending laterally outward in opposite directions (4 P4 pipes total). Cap each P4 outer end with a J2 elbow (4 J2 elbows). (PDF Steps 7–8.)
Step 9: Connect the J2 elbows on each lateral side with a P5 long pipe (36 cm), forming the upper longitudinal closure. Apply PVC glue and allow to cure. The elevated upper frame is now complete. (PDF Step 9.)
Phase 3: Fabrication — Mechanism and Body
Step 10: Cut the 4" PVC pipe to exactly 20 cm (8") in length. Sand all cut edges smooth with 400-grit sandpaper. This is the wound cavity body.
Step 11: Prepare the internal mechanism by joining a horizontal P6 heat pipe (15 cm) through the straight axis of a J1 T-joint, with a vertical P7 heat pipe (8 cm) plugged into the perpendicular leg. The T-joint will be mounted inside the 4" PVC body.
Step 12: Mount the 4" PVC body horizontally onto the upper frame at the location specified in the source PDF. Secure the J1 T-joint inside the PVC body with a small amount of PVC glue where needed. Ensure the mechanism components are properly aligned.
Phase 4: Assembly — Fluid Circuit
Step 13: Attach the ½"-to-¼" adapters (A1) to both ends of the P6 mechanism pipe where it protrudes from the 4" PVC body. These adapters reduce the pipe diameter to accept the 5 mm latex hose.
Step 14: Cut the 1 m latex hose into two sections (each approximately 0.5 m). Attach one section to each A1 adapter.
Step 15: Route the hose sections through the frame, securing them with plastic cable ties at multiple points. Do not overtighten the ties — they should hold the hose without restricting fluid flow.
Step 16: Connect the fumigator pump to one hose end (inlet). Connect the other hose end (outlet) to the water reservoir. The circuit is now complete: pump → mechanism → reservoir → repeat.
Step 17: Fill the reservoir with water. Prime the pump and mechanism by pumping several times. Verify that water flows through the circuit and returns to the reservoir without leaks. Tighten any hose connections or cable ties as needed.
References
- Source PDF: Hemostatic Foley Simulator — Step by Step Building Guide
- CrashSavers project page: CrashSavers Trauma on Appropedia
- CrashSavers Foley simulator page: CrashSavers Trauma — Foley Simulator (source for 45–90 minute build time and pilot-test outcome).
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Hemostatic Foley Simulator — Step by Step Building Guide. CrashSavers.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 Amazon-benchmark single-reference pricing per the TissueDB Costs Amazon-Benchmark Ceiling canon, captured 29 May 2026. Stock SKUs and per-unit basis: ½" PVC pipe Sch.40 (LESSO 10×40", $43.99 → $1.34/ft, ASIN B0FDG5HDMY); PVC T-joint ½" (20-pack, $13.59 → $0.68/each, ASIN B0DLP4ZQRW); PVC elbow 90° ½" (10-pack, $8.89 → $0.89/each, ASIN B0G34F5NBY); PVC cement 8 oz (Oatey, $8.99, ASIN B0CJHD355X); 4" PVC pipe Sch.40 (17" stock, $19.99 → $1.18/inch share, ASIN B0FKN5ZRXY); ½" to ¼" reducer bushing (Spears 439, $6.01 each, ASIN B009F38VAO); modeling balloon ½" filler (12" latex 100-pack, $9.99 → $0.10/each, ASIN B09WDGNH7V); latex tubing 5 mm × 1 m (Feelers, $7.22, ASIN B093WFQ6RX); Teflon tape ½" × 520" (D-NYX, $3.99/roll, ASIN B0C9JYCF4H); hand pump sprayer 1 gallon (Petratools HD101, $24.99); cable ties 8" 100-pack (Skalon, $3.99/pack, ASIN B09PJ8L58G). Water reservoir row uses a repurposed 1 L plastic bottle (no Amazon SKU; A4 judgment + A3 dash convention).
| Alternative names | Hemostatic Foley Simulator CrashSavers Foley Simulator Foley Balloon Tamponade Trainer CrashSavers Foley Catheter Tamponade Simulator |
|---|
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Simulators/Foley Catheter Tamponade Simulator". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026. |