Fistula cannulation simulator

A method for cannulation training comprising:

• providing a support, a pad being removably held thereon the support, and an artificial fistula held in conjunction with the support, the pad overlying on the artificial fistula and preventing visual cues with regard to the location of the underlying artificial fistula on the support, the artificial fistula including an upper barrier having a radial curvature and an axial length and further including a lower barrier defining a flat bottom, the artificial fistula defining a lumen between the upper barrier and the lower barrier, wherein the upper barrier and lower barrier together comprise a semi-circular cross-sectional shape, wherein the upper barrier of the artificial fistula protrudes from an upper surface of the support by a distance from about 2 millimeters to about 4 millimeters, wherein the side-to-side width of the upper barrier ranges from 6 millimeters to 10 millimeters, wherein the lower barrier comprises an electrically conductive material, wherein the electrically conductive material is a metal mesh;
• inserting a dialysis needle through the pad, wherein the dialysis needle comprises a needle tip comprising an electrically conductive material;
• passing the dialysis needle through the upper barrier;
• detecting the presence of the dialysis needle within the lumen of the artificial fistula by use of a first sensor in communication with the lumen or detecting cannulation failure upon the tip of the dialysis needle passing through the lower barrier of the artificial fistula;
• and
• engaging a vibration motor in communication with the artificial fistula such that the upper barrier of the artificial fistula vibrates whenever the vibration motor is selectively activated.