A Vascular Surgery–Specific Ultrasound Model for Vascular Access

Abstract

The objective of this project was to develop a realistic, inexpensive, and accessible model for vascular surgery residents to use for improving their vascular access skills. We have developed a simple gelatin model to simulate a nondiseased, diseased, and branched vessel. Our model visually mimics real-life tissue under ultrasound, physically mimics real-life tissue during access, and realistically mimics both nondiseased and diseased branched vessels. Needle and wire access to the vessel can be clearly visualized using this model. This vascular surgery–specific ultrasound model will provide a realistic simulation for training in ultrasound-guided vascular access.