A Novel Low‐Cost Ultrasound‐Guided Pericardiocentesis Simulation Model: Demonstration of Feasibility

Abstract

Pericardiocentesis is a rare life-saving procedure for patients with cardiac tamponade. Due to the infrequency of this procedure, simulation models are often used for training. Commercial models are generally expensive. Proposed homemade models offer a lower-cost alternative but can be labor and time intensive. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a limited use, low-cost ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis model as a training tool for emergency physicians. Our model proved to be a practical, easily implemented, and acceptable model for training emergency physicians, including residents and students, in ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis.

A Novel, Low-cost, Low-fidelity Pericardiocentesis Teaching Model

“…7,8 Due to the need for proper training and the expense of high fidelity, a plethora of low-fidelity and home-made models have been made available. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] These models have also addressed common practical limitations such as using non-resin medium for ultrasonography and replaceable components. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no low-fidelity models employing non-animal rib models.…”

“…Our model was designed to make small advances on prior low-and high-fidelity models. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Our model has a remarkably simple rendering, and it is easy to assemble and replace components after multiple attempts. Using a durable 3D-printed anatomical chest model means we do not need to purchase animal parts or create resin molds; nor does the model degrade.…”

“…Upon completion, a survey was provided on site for participants to evaluate fidelity, convenience, and perceived competency for both approaches (see Supplemental ). 14 This study was determined to be exempt by the institutional review board as an anonymous survey and educational training project.…”

“…This model was visualized using a polyethylene glycol solution as previously demonstrated by Sullivan et al (2018) using a Sonosite M-Turbo and a Sonosite MicroMaxx (FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc., Bothell, WA) ultrasound machines. 14 The goal was to identify an anechoic collection by either a subxiphoid or apical window approach between the two layers of latex balloons. This represented the pericardial effusion ( Figure 3 ).…”

A contemporary look at pericardiocentesis

“…Although a pericardial drainage is not rare, it might be uncommon enough for trainees to only be able to acquire experience in just a handful of procedures. A cheap home-made teaching model for ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis, using two balloons and a fiber supplement, has been successfully developed as a proxy for pericardiocentesis, but physicians in training should nevertheless be exposed to as many real-life procedures as possible under expert supervision [45] .…”