Abstract
Abstract Objective Regarding education in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia, we aimed to develop three-dimensional ultrasound volumes (3D-UV) of peripheral nerves for ultrasound simulation. This study mainly addressed to estimate diagnostic feasibility as well as comparison of original ultrasound images with 3D-UV. Methods A free-hand recording system as part of an ultrasound simulation system (Ultrasound simulator Reslice, Schallware GmbH, Berlin, Germany) was coupled to a high-end ultrasound device (Vivid-i, GE healthcare Ultrasound). 3D-UV were recorded as transverse parallel planes from four healthy models and positioned with an electromagnetic tracking system into a mannequin on identical anatomical sites. Using developer software, single B-Mode 3D-UV were combined into 3D-multivolumes (MV). Original short and long axis B-Mode planes were compared with reconstructed planes (reslices). Results A total of 108 3D-UV including vessels of carotid region (n = 22), and peripheral nerves of interscalene (31), axillary (28), femoral groin (8) and distal sciatic (19) were recorded. Visual presentation of reconstructed volumes of vessels and peripheral nerves revealed almost comparable quality to the original B-Mode scans of the model examination. Ultrasonographic nerve structure appearance derived from high-resolution ultrasound recordings could be preserved in reslices of 3D-UV and also in part in the long axis. Conclusions Our data provide a new proof of concept for ultrasound simulation of peripheral nerves in 3D-ultrasound multivolumes based on high-resolution ultrasound technology. It has the ability to provide pathologic findings and may serve as a powerful method for training in regional anaesthesia and critical care ultrasound.
Highlights
Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia (UGRA) of peripheral nerves is an emerging method in anaesthesia and critical care environment
Ultrasonographic nerve structure appearance derived from high-resolution ultrasound recordings could be preserved in reslices of 3D ultrasound volumes (3D-UV) and in part in the long axis
Our data provide a new proof of concept for ultrasound simulation of peripheral nerves in 3D-ultrasound multivolumes based on high-resolution ultrasound technology
Summary
Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia (UGRA) of peripheral nerves is an emerging method in anaesthesia and critical care environment. The basis of understanding this technique has to be firm knowledge of anatomy, topology and of sonoanatomy. Identifying key landmark structures including blood vessels, muscle, fascia and bone, nerve and plexus on short axis (SAX) imaging, anatomy and anatomic variations were defined as the first three important tasks out of ten by current recommendations for education and training in UGRA only recently [1]. There are only few methods of training to obtain skills for this technique. It requires multiple observations and patient examinations in the operation room to understand sonoanatomy and procedural aspects and ‘‘learning by doing’’. To the best of our knowledge until now, a method for 3D ultrasound teaching in UGRA was unknown
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
