A Low-Cost Highly Configurable Phantom for Simulation of Imaging-Guided Endocavitary Procedures

Abstract

We developed a method to create customizable phantoms suitable for endocavitary imaging and interventional research, based on the fabrication of an acrylic phantom mold, and development of a phantom matrix composed of gelatin, agar, graphite particles, and propanol. Our phantom was mechanically stable, easily fabricated, and highly adjustable, and its ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed the qualification for the procedure guidance compared with the human prostate image using the same US system. To test the feasibility of the phantom for the research, the seeds placement guided by MRI/US fusion was performed, and the overall test error (distance from the seed center to the virtual lesion center in olives) was 2.59 ± 0.59 mm. We have created a simple, low-cost, configurable, gelatin-based phantom and tested its feasibility for simulating endorectal interventional US procedures. The design of the phantom mold and matrix is likely to be useful to the broader medical training community, and the preliminary data from the experiment of MRI/US-guided seeds placement showed its potential to test the clinical hypothesis in US research.

Gelatin-Agar Liver Phantom to Simulate Typical Enhancement Patterns of Hepatocellular Carcinoma for MRI

“…Overall, insignificant differences between T 1 and T 2 values of gelatin-agar samples were demonstrated over a period of 6 weeks. This is due to the fact that agar determines the process of water evaporation in the three samples [42,43]. The most significant difference between the relaxation times was recorded in the fifth week.…”

Individualized Ultrasound-Guided Intervention Phantom Development, Fabrication, and Proof of Concept*

“…The silicone-coated vessels were mounted to a PETG printed base assembly, inverted, and mounted into the mold box. The mold box was filled with tissue mimic comprised of tap water, gelatin/agar, graphite powder scatterers, and 1-propanol, which was heated to ~98°C in a double-boiler [4] (Table 1). The high temperature of the molten gel necessitated the use of PETG in the mold; polylactic acid (PLA) was used in an early prototype, but severe softening and deformation occurred upon pouring.…”

“…50 g mixture removal and 25 g liquids addition was repeated to generate the subsequent samples. Gel material based on work ofLi et al, 2019.…”