An Inexpensive and Easy Simulation Model of Ocular Ultrasound That Mimics Normal Anatomy as Well as Abnormal Ophthalmologic Conditions

Abstract

wo percent of emergency department visits can be attributed to ocular conditions, ranging from primary ophthalmologic concerns to infectious or traumatic causes. 1 Although many of these conditions do not require emergent ophthalmologic consultation or intervention in the emergency department, certain conditions must be diagnosed promptly. Because of a combination of environmental limitations, difficulty accessing the necessary equipment, and lack of physician comfort, a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination can be difficult to perform. Ultrasound has become a tool used by both emergency physicians and ophthalmologists in diagnosing ocular emergencies. A recent study of board-certified residents and attending physicians in an emergency department showed that ultrasound examinations had 100% sensitivity and 97.2% specificity for detecting globe rupture, retinal detachment, and vitreous hemorrhage. 2 Simulation training in ultrasound has been shown to improve patient safety in procedures. 3,4 and early diagnosis in a variety of areas.There are currently a few ocular simulation models commercially available, eg, harvested rabbit or porcine eyes and or glass models layered with bovine tissue. 5,6 Given the importance of simulation training and the relative paucity of easily obtainable and financially feasible ocular models, we developed an ocular ultrasound phantom using readily available materials. We were able to, easily and with little expense, create reasonable models of the normal eye as well as the eye with retinal detachment, a foreign body, an increased optic nerve sheath diameter, vitreous hemorrhage, and retrobulbar hematoma. The procedures for creating the phantom are listed in the "Appendix."

Versatile, Reusable, and Inexpensive Ultrasound Phantom Procedural Trainers

“…In addition to the 3 specific procedures described above, these materials and strategies can be applied to other US and procedural targets to fully stock a program's simulation needs. We have designed phantoms for US‐guided peripheral venous access 27 and are currently using the synthetic gelatin to develop cleaner and more durable ocular phantoms with previously described methods for designing pathologic conditions 28 . We have found thoracic and abdominal molds, a heart mold, and a thoracic skeleton to enable the creation of chest tube, pericardiocentesis, subclavian, and paracentesis phantoms.…”

A Unique Model for Ultrasound Assessment of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter

“…First, using a previously described recipe for homemade ultrasound phantoms 17,18 , we combined water, sugar-free psyllium powder, and unflavored gelatin to create the globe and formed spheres using a 1 inch spherical baking mould (Chicago School of Mold Making, Oak Park, Il) ( Figure 1). Second, utilizing a 3D printer (Zprinter 650, 3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC), we produced resin-coated plaster discs of known diameter to represent the optic nerve sheath (Figure 1, arrow).…”

Consensus on procedures to include in a simulation‐based curriculum in ophthalmology: a national Delphi study

“…• Advanced simulation models such as virtual reality simulation models (Mustafa et al 2011) • Inanimate eye model made from gelatin (Jafri et al 2011 • Virtual reality simulator (Alwadani & Morsi 2012) • Cadaver eyes in model container (Minckler et al 1992) 24…”