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

Abstract

Purpose Ultrasound-guided puncture and punch biopsy pose a particular challenge in ultrasound examination training. These techniques should be learned and performed several times using a simulation model that is as realistic as possible before being applied to patients. 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.

Materials and Methods The developed simulation model is based on the vegetable gelatine agar-agar. The agar-agar powder is boiled in water and colored. 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 puncture and punch biopsies could be successfully simulated, and ultrasound images can be generated for this purpose. The cost of a single model is about 2 euros. Production takes less than 2 hours, including cooling. The pure processing time is 30 minutes. The durability of the models is limited by mold, which occurs after 5 days when stored at room temperature 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 puncture and punch biopsies.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel Ultraschallgestützte Punktionen und Stanzbiopsien stellen eine besondere Herausforderung in der Ausbildung von Ultraschalluntersuchungen dar. Diese Techniken sollten bestenfalls vor der Anwendung am Patienten durch realistische Simulationsmodelle erlernt werden. Der Einsatz von Modellen zur Erlernung von ultraschallgestützten Stanzbiopsien und Punktionen ist bisher kaum beschrieben. Ziel war es, ein kostengünstiges Modell zur Simulation ultraschallgestützter Interventionen herzustellen.

Material und Methoden Das entwickelte Simulationsmodell basiert auf pflanzlicher Gelatine. Das Gelatine-Pulver wird in Wasser aufgekocht und gefärbt. Beim Gießen des Modells werden verschiedene Objekte der Masse hinzugefügt. Mit Blaubeeren, Oliven und Tomaten können solide Strukturen imitiert werden. Flüssigkeitsgefüllte Ballons simulieren zystische Strukturen. Das Hinzufügen von Steinen kann die Übungen erschweren.

Ergebnisse Mit dem beschriebenen Modell können ultraschallgestützte Punktionen und Stanzbiopsien erfolgreich simuliert und hierfür Ultraschallbilder generiert werden. Die Kosten eines Simulationsmodells betragen ca. 2 Euro. Die Herstellung dauert inklusive des Abkühlens ca. 3 Stunden. Die reine Arbeitszeit beträgt 30 min. Nach dem Abkühlen ist das Modell sofort einsatzfähig. Schimmelbildung zeigt sich bei Lagerung an der Raumluft nach 5 Tagen und im Kühlschrank nach 5 Wochen.

Schlussfolgerung Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass es möglich ist, ein kostengünstiges Ultraschallmodell in kurzer Zeit und mit einfach verfügbaren Inhaltsstoffen für das Erlernen von ultraschallgestützten Punktionen und Stanzbiopsien auf der Basis von Agar-Agar herzustellen.

Keywords

Punch biopsy - Puncture - Simulation model - Ultrasound training - Head and neck

Publication History

Received: 14 December 2023

Accepted after revision: 21 March 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
21 March 2024

Article published online:
29 April 2024

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