A novel, low-cost, nonbiological phantom for training in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia

Abstract

Background

Trainees of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) should begin with phantoms before use on patients. The phantoms currently available have substantial drawbacks. Our aim was to develop a low-cost homemade UGRA phantom without perishable parts, which shows sonoanatomical details and hydrodissection when injecting fluid—the “Pink Phantom.” Methods

A homemade polymer mass was optimized for ultrasound compatibility, along with target structures such as fascia, nerves, and vessels, mimicking the human groin region. The Pink Phantom's value for UGRA training was assessed in two steps. First, nine experts compared it to a commercial and a biological phantom using a 21-item VAS questionnaire. Second, 35 UGRA trainees evaluated it after first use with an 8-item VAS questionnaire. Results

Preparation took 1 h per phantom at a cost of approximately 13 $US. The experts' median overall VAS rating of the Pink Phantom (7.8) was slightly higher than their rating of the biological phantom (6.7) and much higher than their rating of the commercial phantom (3.3). UGRA trainees also gave the Pink Phantom a high median overall rating (8.4). Conclusions

The Pink Phantom replicates the human groin region with fascia, vessels, and a nerve, offering realistic hydrodissection combined with high durability.