Instructions
for Repairing the ZOE®
Gynecologic Simulator
General Information
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The following step-by-step instructions
describe how to repair small tears in the skin of
the ZOE gynecologic simulator. These tears most
often occur at the "bottom" of the
model (the portion near the legs and perineum)
while removing and replacing the skin/foam
assembly. Removing the skin only when necessary
and removing and replacing it gently can prolong
ZOE’s life.
Remember—the uteri and cervices can be
changed without removing skin, thereby
saving wear and tear on the model.
Tears should be repaired as soon as possible
after they develop. Using a model with torn skin
will make the tear bigger—and bigger tears are
more difficult to repair. If the tear is larger
than 5–6 cm it may not be possible to repair
and a whole new skin may be required.
Materials Needed
- Replacement skin (included with the model)
- Glue (included with the model)
- Sandpaper to roughen the skin surface
- Alcohol or spirits for cleaning the skin
- Scissors to cut the skin patch to size
Skin. The use of patch material other than
ZOE skin is strongly discouraged. Other
patches, such as those used to repair tires or
inner tubes, do not have the same flexibility as
ZOE’s skin, making it difficult to remove and
replace the skin/foam assembly. Using other types
of patches could cause additional tears around
the patch or in other areas.
Glue. Read the instructions on the package
carefully before use. Store the glue in a cool,
dark place to extend its shelf life. After
opening, be sure to clean off the tip and recap
it securely before storage.
The glue provided in the repair kit bonds
almost immediately with a very strong bond. Be
careful not to get any on your fingers or any
other surface. It is also an eye irritant —use
in a well ventilated area and wear eye protection
if available.
If the glue provided with ZOE runs out or
dries up, replace it with a glue that contains cyanoacrylate
or cyanoacrylate ester. This type of glue
bonds almost immediately with a very strong bond.
Common trade names for these glues are SuperGlue,
LocTite® and Crazy Glue.
If it is impossible to get cyanoacrylate glue,
other types of glue can be used, preferably one
containing methyl ethyl ketone. The bond
will not be as strong, and may not last if the
model is used frequently. These glues require
that pressure be applied to the patch area for
several days (or longer) until the glue sets
(hardens). Read the instructions for use
carefully and follow them completely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare a work area in a well
ventilated space and cover it with newspaper
to protect the surface in case glue is
spilled.
-
Remove the skin and foam
assembly from the model. This makes it easier
to bring the edges of the tear together and
to securely apply the patch. It also prevents
gluing the skin to the base of the model. Do
not separate the skin and foam.
-
Measure the tear. With
ordinary scissors, cut a patch of skin that
will cover the tear and extend an additional
2 to 3 cm around the sides and top of the
tear (the patch will be 4 to 6 cm wide, with
the length determined by the length of the
tear). Do not cut the patch too small.
-
With sandpaper, roughen an
area around the tear that is the same size as
the patch (an area extending at least 2 to 3
cm around the tear). Also roughen the side of
the patch that will be in contact with the
model. Sanding both surfaces helps ensure
that the glue bonds strongly.
-
Use alcohol or spirits to
clean the roughened surface of ZOE’s skin
and the patch. This also strengthens the
glue’s bond. Allow the surfaces to dry.
-
Apply a thin layer of glue to
the patch. Be sure the glue extends out to
the edges of the patch so that they will bond
completely. Once the glue is applied, handle
the patch only by the edges. Be very
careful not to get glue on your skin or in
your eyes.
-
Bring the edges of the tear
together and carefully apply the patch. The
bottom edge of the patch should be even with
the edge of the skin where the tear started.
Apply pressure to the patch until set,
usually about 10 seconds.
-
Wait at least 1 hour before
putting the skin and foam assembly back on
ZOE if using cyanoacrylate glue. If another
type of glue is used, this waiting period may
be longer.
Other Repairs
The kit can also be used for other repairs to
the ZOE gynecologic simulator.
When the model is used extensively for
laparoscopy and minilaparotomy practice, the ends
of the incisions may tear, especially if it is an
older model. Cover the tear with a small patch of
skin on the inner surface of the
abdominal, following the instructions given
above.
The vagina may become detached from the hard
base model or the skin tube that lines the vagina
may separate from the rest of the skin. Follow
the instructions (roughening, cleaning, gluing)
to re-attach the vagina or skin tube using the
glue provided in the repair kit. It is strongly
recommended that only cyanoacrylate glue
be used for these repairs because its quick,
almost immediate bond will make the process a
great deal easier.
Pushing with excessive force against the
cervix, for example when applying a tenaculum or
passing an instrument through the cervical os,
can cause the end of the vagina to tear. This may
cause the cervical/uterine assembly to
"pop-out" into the abdominal cavity
during procedures. To repair the vagina, patch
the tear with a small piece of skin, following
the instructions given above.
First Aid for Cyanoacrylate
Glue
If, despite all precautions, the cyanoacrylate
glue comes in contact with the skin or eye or
bonding occurs, follow these first aid
instructions:
-
Do not force bonded surfaces apart.
-
For skin contact, immediately
flush the affected area under running water
and immerse in warm soapy water. If fingers
are bonded, gently pry the fingers apart by
rolling a paper clip or pencil between the
fingers.
-
For eye contact, flush the
eye with lukewarm water for 15 minutes and
see a physician immediately. Do not attempt
to peel a bonded eyelid from the eye.
-
Prolonged inhalation can
cause irritation of the nose and bronchial
passages. If this occurs, move to fresh air.
If symptoms persist, see a physician.
-
Ingestion of the glue
requires immediate medical attention.
Information on ZOE models
Contact your Program Officer for problems in
repairing ZOE models or contact the manufacturer
of the model.
To obtain a ZOE Repair Kit:
Materials Administration Division
JHPIEGO Corporation
1615 Thames Street, Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21231-3492
Phone: 410-614-3206 or or 410-614-0543
Fax: 410-614-3915
E-mail: orders@jhpiego.net
JHPIEGO does not sell or distribute ZOE models
except to its current program activities.
Additional information can be found in the
instruction booklet that accompanies your ZOE
model.
ZOE Manufacturer:
Gaumard Scientific Company
P.O. Box 140098
Coral Gables, FL 33114-0098 USA
Phone: 305-666-8548
Fax: 305-667-6085
Web: http://www.gaumard.com
E-mail: sima@gaumard.com
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