Creating Custom Phantoms for Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Training

Abstract

Abstract Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) is superior to conventional fine-needle aspiration biopsies and when performed by cytopathologists yields higher diagnostic rates than when performed by nonpathologists. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration allows operators to perform targeted biopsies while avoiding critical nearby structures, decreasing the risk of procedural complications. Traditionally, cytopathology training programs have purchased costly commercial phantom models on which to train residents and fellows and provide opportunities for cytopathologists to practice their US-FNA technique. While phantoms are effective training tools, they are sold by several vendors at well over $1000 and have limited life spans as with continued use needle track marks obscure the ultrasound's view of practice targets. We developed and tested 2 cost-effective and easy-to-make recipes for creating your own US-FNA phantoms in-house. The first recipe features a gelatin-based phantom that can be made from ingredients available at any local grocery store. The second recipe for a silicon-based phantom is more durable but requires some ingredients that may be purchased online or at specialty costume shops. Finally, we share ideas and directions for making target lesions to be placed inside your phantoms and invite readers to harness their creativity to customize these phantom recipes to suit their practices' and trainees' needs.