Eric J Kalivoda1, Ashley Sullivan1, Leonard Bunting1. 1. Department of Emergency Medicine, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan; Division of Emergency Ultrasound, Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Emergent ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis (USGP) is an uncommonly performed procedure by emergency physicians (EPs). USGP simulation models have previously been developed to increase procedural proficiency, but these models are limited for routine implementation secondary to high-cost, lengthy time to construct, and lack of durability. The objective of this study was to develop an USGP simulation model that is cost-effective, easily and rapidly constructed, and has procedure-specific fidelity. DISCUSSION: We have developed a novel tofu simulation model for USGP training. The model cost per unit was $1.81 and the average construction time was 2.5 ± 0.3 min. The model can withstand upward of 100 needle punctures. Our model provides USGP procedure-specific aspiration of a simulated pericardial effusion. CONCLUSIONS: The tofu USGP model provides a cost-effective and rapidly constructible simulation tool that could be readily integrated in EP procedural training.
BACKGROUND: Emergent ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis (USGP) is an uncommonly performed procedure by emergency physicians (EPs). USGP simulation models have previously been developed to increase procedural proficiency, but these models are limited for routine implementation secondary to high-cost, lengthy time to construct, and lack of durability. The objective of this study was to develop an USGP simulation model that is cost-effective, easily and rapidly constructed, and has procedure-specific fidelity. DISCUSSION: We have developed a novel tofu simulation model for USGP training. The model cost per unit was $1.81 and the average construction time was 2.5 ± 0.3 min. The model can withstand upward of 100 needle punctures. Our model provides USGP procedure-specific aspiration of a simulated pericardial effusion. CONCLUSIONS: The tofu USGP model provides a cost-effective and rapidly constructible simulation tool that could be readily integrated in EP procedural training.