The 'chicken-egg-model': a simple in vitro model for 3D-ultrasonography and elastography.

Abstract

Three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-ultrasound) and elastography are imaging techniques facilitating the diagnosis of gynaecological diseases and uterine anomalies. These non-invasive ultrasound applications may be of important added diagnostic value in gynaecological ultrasonography. The main objective of this study was to develop a simple and cheap in vitro model for elastography and 3D-ultrasound, with an adaptable probe-target distance. The target should be visible within the model and its hardness should be modifiable. The orientation and inclination of the model should also be adjustable. We used a boiled chicken egg in a gel basis as this mimics the elastic properties of human tissues. Different boiling times were compared with the stiffness at elastography. Both 3D-ultrasonography and strain elastography were conducted with a Voluson™ E10 4-9 MHz vaginal probe. Altering the eggs' boiling times modulates the levels of stiffness, and hence the aspect on elastography. Our model can help trainees to practice acquisition and interpretation of elastography images. This cheap and easy-to-reproduce, in vitro "chicken-egg-model" allows for education and training of 3D-ultrasound and elastography, without causing discomfort to patients. We created a cheap and easy to reproduce in vitro model for the education of 3D-ultrasound and elastography.