Two Affordable, High-Fidelity Central Venous Models for Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Training

Abstract

Introduction Ultrasound-guided vascular access is an increasingly popular technique due to its reduced complication and higher success rates. Commercially bought training phantoms allow providers to develop tactile skills in a low-risk setting, but are also expensive and poorly accessible. This study analyzes the efficacy of homemade, low-cost, gelatin-based central line vascular models to teach vascular anatomy and intravascular access techniques in training physicians. Methods A gelatin mold was created using a mixture of unflavored gelatin, hot water, psyllium husk powder, and rubbing alcohol. Latex tubing, balloons, precooked hot dog, and tofu were inserted to simulate arteries, veins, nerves, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle, respectively. Medical students from a single institution participated in a 90-minute workshop led by interventional radiology residents. Participants completed presurveys and postsurveys that assessed knowledge acquisition and confidence levels related to acquiring central access. All images were obtained using a USB-C Butterfly iQ probe. Results Twenty medical students were analyzed after the workshop. There was a statistically significant increase in self-reported confidence in basic ultrasound use (adjusting gain, depth, probe manipulation), localizing major anatomical structures, using ultrasound for vessel access, and reported ease in identifying muscle, nerves, and major blood vessels under ultrasound. There was also a significant increase in correctly identified anatomical landmarks after the workshop, including the sternocleidomastoid muscle, internal jugular vein, carotid artery, femoral nerve, femoral artery, and femoral vein. Conclusions Our findings suggest that our homemade, low-cost, gelatin-based models were effective in teaching vascular anatomy and ultrasound-guided vascular access techniques to training physicians.

The Impact of High-Fidelity Simulator System on Bronchoscopy Operation Skills of Trainees Who Receive Refresher Training: A Teaching Study

“…Although Tuzer et al 32 found that the standard patient model was more effective than HFS in improving students' knowledge of chest and heart examinations, more reports have indicated that using HFS in medical education can more effectively enhance operational proficiency, improve professional skills, and reduce patient risk, [33][34][35] consistent with the results of this study. This may be because HFS provides nursing students with the opportunity to practice and repeat technical operations in a safe environment.…”