News

The ISN Educational Ambassadors Program (EAP) recently supported a training at the Almenara Hospital in Lima, Peru. 

Led by ISN Educational Ambassador Martin Kächele from the Ulm University Hospital in Germany, the training emphasized reducing reliance on additional tests, such as X-rays or permeabilization, while improving patient outcomes through accurate catheter placement.   

Training participants practice catheter placement using ultrasound guidance 

The training offered a balanced approach with 10% theoretical and 90% hands-on practice. Small group sessions allowed nephrologists, interventional nurses, and nephrology trainees to gain confidence in the technique. Participants learned to place catheter tips accurately in the right atrium, optimize femoral catheter positioning, and use ultrasound effectively for safer and faster procedures. 

Dr. Kächele commented, “The team was highly motivated, enthusiastic about the activity, eager to learn and actively participated in the discussions. By the end of the week, we had fully implemented the new technique.” 

This initiative also enhanced collaboration between medical and nursing teams. With nurses actively involved, the procedure has become routine at the hospital, performed with greater efficiency and safety. 

Dr.Kächele (center right) with training participants at the Almenara Hospital in Lima, Peru 

The Almenara Hospital plans to train nephrologists from other hospitals and share their expertise regionally, broadening the training’s impact. In addition, the center will collaborate with Ulm University Hospital on a scientific study to examine the effects of the training and the modified method on the success of catheter placement and function. 

Alberto Gushiken, from the Almenara Hospital, commented, “We are pleased to have successfully developed different aspects of kidney care through the ISN EAP. Each of these trainings has had a positive impact on the nephrologists who participated and, above all, has improved the care provided to patients with kidney disease.” 

Inspired by how the ISN Educational Ambassadors Program can help transform kidney care? Join/renew your ISN membership to take advantage of this and other ISN Granting Programs.