Making a convenient, low-cost phantom with a previously unreported material for practicing ultrasound-guided procedures.

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided procedures require excellent hand-eye coordination and practice. Trainees should gain this important skill with a phantom prior to performing procedures on patients. Currently available phantoms each have their own unique limitations. We propose an easily made, inexpensive, tissue-like phantom using a previously unreported material. The sonographic appearance of the phantom, with and without a 14-gauge needle, is compared with breast tissue, gelatin phantoms, and commercial phantoms. Target lesions can be produced using readily available materials. The proposed phantom is cheaper than commercial phantoms; performs better than gelatin phantoms, and is ultimately a superior practice tool for residents.