Agar ultrasound phantoms for low-cost training without refrigeration

Earle, Matthew; Portu, Giuliano De; DeVos, Elizabeth

doi:10.1016/j.afjem.2015.09.003

Cited by 61 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 11 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…The 3D printed central vasculature of each abdominal organ was injected with iodinated contrast media diluted with normal saline to mimic the attenuation of the vessels in vivo at 120kVp. To achieve the attenuation of vessels in the abdomen (HU of 90.0 ± 2.5), 10.0 mL of iodine contrast was diluted into a mixture of 1.5 l of saline solution, 2.5% agar and 3.5% soluble fiber [38,39]. After pouring, the injection site was sealed with polyurethane rubber adhesive to trap the contrast media and saline solution.…”

Section: C) Clinical Use Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

3D printed CT-based abdominal structure mannequin for enabling research

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

An anthropomorphic phantom is a radiologically accurate, tissue realistic model of the human body that can be used for research into innovative imaging and interventional techniques, education simulation and calibration of medical imaging equipment. Currently available CT phantoms are appropriate tools for calibration of medical imaging equipment but have major disadvantages for research and educational simulation. They are expensive, lacking the realistic appearance and characteristics of anatomical organs when visualized during X-ray based image scanning. In addition, CT phantoms are not modular hence users are not able to remove specific organs from inside the phantom for research or training purposes. 3D printing technology has evolved and can be used to print anatomically accurate abdominal organs for a modular anthropomorphic mannequin to address limitations of existing phantoms. In this study, CT images from a clinical patient were used to 3D print the following organ shells: liver, kidneys, spleen, and large and small intestines. In addition, fatty tissue was made using modelling beeswax and musculature was modeled using liquid urethane rubber to match the radiological density of real tissue in CT Hounsfield Units at 120kVp. Similarly, all 3D printed organ shells were filled with an agar-based solution to mimic the radiological density of real tissue in CT Hounsfield Units at 120kVp. The mannequin has scope for applications in various aspects of medical imaging and education, allowing us to address key areas of clinical importance without the need for scanning patients.

show abstract

Section: C) Clinical Use Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

3D printed CT-based abdominal structure mannequin for enabling research

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The following materials were used to model the polymer-based phantom: Agar-based phantoms provide a low-cost alternative for ultrasound training [13]. The addition of barium sulfate enables the discrimination of the tumors from the parenchyma in the CT image data.…”

Section: A Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Multimodal Pancreas Phantom for Computer-Assisted Surgery Training

Eigl

Haslebacher

Müller

et al. 2020

IEEE Open J. Eng. Med. Biol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Training of surgical residents and the establishment of innovative surgical techniques require training phantoms that realistically mimic human anatomy. Because animal models have their limitations due to ethical aspects, costs, and the required efforts to set up such training, artificial phantoms are a promising alternative. In the field of image-guided surgery, the challenge lies in developing phantoms that are accurate both anatomically and in terms of imaging properties, while taking the cost factor into account. With respect to the pancreas, animal models are less suitable because their anatomy differs significantly from human anatomy and tissue properties rapidly degrade in the case of ex vivo models. Nevertheless, progress with artificial phantoms has been sparse, although the need for innovative, minimally invasive therapies that require adequate training is steadily increasing. Methods: In the course of this project, an artificial pancreas phantom that is compatible with basic electrosurgical techniques was developed with realistic anatomic and haptic properties, computed tomography, and ultrasound imaging capabilities. This article contains step-by-step instructions for the fabrication of a low-cost pancreatic phantom. The molds are also available for download in a 3D file format. Results: The phantom was successfully validated with regard to its computed tomography and ultrasound properties. As a result, the phantom could be used in combination with a state-of-the-art computer-assisted navigation system. The resection capabilities were positively evaluated in a preclinical study evaluating endoscopic resections using the navigation system. Finally, the durability of the phantom material was tested in a study with multiple needle insertions. Conclusion: The developed phantom represents an open-access and low-cost durable alternative to conventional animal models in the continuous process of surgical training and development of new techniques.

show abstract

“…Agar is insoluble in cold water, but it hydrates in boiling water, returning to a gel phase as soon as temperature is held below 35-45 °C. This property makes it easy and quick to get a support for an ultrasound phantom 4,5 . Placing several ultrasound targets (an orange, a nut, a straw or a tourniquet) into a plastic container and adding a warm solution of agar, it suffices to wait a while for its spontaneous cooling to get a stable gel phantom.…”

Section: Vegetal Phantoms Agar Phantomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-animal ultrasound phantoms for device testing and training

Passariello¹,

Vasculab²

2018

JTAVR

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A phantom is a physical object to simplify device testing and clinical training. An industrial device is more reliable for device testing in quality control procedures, though it is expensive. When precision requirements are not so strict as it occurs in training, people prefer to use home-made phantoms, though many of these artisanal methods use animal products. The current paper illustrates a few alternative vegetal phantoms. Agar is a widely used material in laboratory investigations and can be used to contain ultrasound targets. Another quick and effective alternative is given by tofu. Target sizes and flow ultrasound measurements can be easily effected using a phantom and training can be planned and repeated as much as required. The current paper shows how low-cost animal phantoms can be perfectly replaced by low-cost vegetal ones for clinical and training purposes. Vegetal phantoms can be classified as possible realizations of the Replace, the 1st of the 3Rs pre-requisites for non-animal experiments.

show abstract

Agar ultrasound phantoms for low-cost training without refrigeration

Cited by 61 publications

References 11 publications

3D printed CT-based abdominal structure mannequin for enabling research

3D printed CT-based abdominal structure mannequin for enabling research

A Multimodal Pancreas Phantom for Computer-Assisted Surgery Training

Non-animal ultrasound phantoms for device testing and training

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About