Hey Dummy! (No, Not You—The Transmitter)
Why Practicing Telemetry Surgery with a Dummy Transmitter is a Smart Move
So, you’re getting ready for your first telemetry implant? Or maybe you haven’t done this procedure in this specific species in a while? I don’t care who tells you it’s easy because it’s a mouse—telemetry surgery is no joke. There’s a lot riding on getting it right:
- Your time
- The cost of the animal
- The price of the device
- The effort to make it successful
No one wants to waste resources or compromise surgical outcomes, so training with a dummy telemetry transmitter is one of the smartest things you can do.
What is a Dummy Telemetry Transmitter?
A dummy telemetry transmitter is precisely like an implantable telemetry device—the same size, weight, and shape— without the internal components. It won’t collect data or transmit signals, but it will let you practice everything else:
✔ Surgical placement
✔ Suturing technique
✔ Handling and positioning
Think of it as a dress rehearsal before the big show—it lets you work through the kinks before the stakes are high.
Why Bother Practicing with a Dummy Transmitter?
Because even if you’re naturally skilled, surgery isn’t just about knowing what to do—it’s about muscle memory. It’s about training your hands to move smoothly, confidently, and without hesitation.
When you’re dealing with something as precise as a telemetry implant and as important as an animal’s life, you don’t want to realize halfway through that:
- Your placement is off
- Your sutures aren’t holding
- You’re struggling through the procedure instead of executing it with precision
The Real Costs of Not Practicing
✔ Your hourly wage – (You’re getting paid for this, so make it count!)
✔ The cost of the animal – (No second chances here.)
✔ The price of the telemetry device – (No one wants to waste an expensive piece of equipment.)
✔ The effort to make it successful – (Struggling through a procedure isn’t fun for anyone.)
Wouldn’t refining your technique first rather than learning the hard way be better?
Lessons from Years in the Field
I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I can always tell the difference between those who practiced first and those who didn’t.
Even experienced surgeons benefit from stepping back and running through the procedure a few times with a dummy. It’s a low-risk, high-reward way to ensure that when it’s time for the real thing, you execute confidently—without hesitation.
Where Stellar Telemetry Fits In
If you’re using Stellar Telemetry’s systems, you already know their technology is built for precision, ensuring reliable data collection. A dummy transmitter helps refine your surgical technique so that when it counts, you’re confident in your placement and execution.
Final Thoughts: Train Now, Thank Yourself Later
Take the time to train before you implant. Grab a dummy telemetry transmitter, practice placement, and get a feel for what works and what doesn’t. If it’s been a while since you’ve worked in this species, it’s more reason to go through a few practice runs.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being prepared.
And hey—while you’re here, take a look around. There’s always more to learn, and I’m happy to help.