Low-cost simulation model for ultrasound-guided punch biopsy and puncture: Construction manual and photo examples

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Purpose Ultrasound-guided puncture and punch biopsy pose a particular challenge in the training of ultrasound examination. These techniques should be learned and performed several times before being applied to the patient using a simulation model that is as realistic as possible. While the use of agar-agar-based models is extensively documented in the literature, there is a discernible gap in publications specifically addressing their use in punch biopsy and puncture. The aim was to develop a cost-effective model for the simulation of ultrasound-guided interventions. Material and Methods The developed simulation model is based on the vegetable gelatine agar-agar. The agar-agar powder is boiled in water and coloured. Various objects are added to the mass. Blueberries, olives, tomatoes and cornichons imitate solid structures. Liquid-filled balloons are used to simulate cystic structures. Adding stones can make the exercises more difficult due to hyperechoic reflexes with distal shadowing. Results With the model, ultrasound-guided punctures and punch biopsies could be successfully simulated, and ultrasound images generated for this purpose. The cost of a single model is about 2 euros. The production takes less than 2 hours, including cooling. The pure processing time is 30 minutes. The durability of the models is limited by mould, which occurs after 5 days when stored in room air and after 5 weeks in the refrigerator. Conclusion It was shown that it is possible to produce an inexpensive agar-agar-based ultrasound model in a short time and with easily available ingredients to learn ultrasound-guided punctures and punch biopsies.

Details

Original languageEnglish
JournalUltraschall in der Medizin
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 21 Mar 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-5256-1497/work/156814120
Scopus 85188741753

Keywords