Korean J Anesthesiol.  2016 Feb;69(1):15-20. 10.4097/kjae.2016.69.1.15.

The effect of electromagnetic guidance system on early learning curve of ultrasound for novices

• Kim EJ
• Min J
• Song J
• Song K
• Song JH
• Byon HJ

• KMID: 2152854
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2016.69.1.15

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Electromagnetic guidance reveals needle alignment and position relative to the image plane on an ultrasound view. This study compared the early learning curves of novices performing ultrasound-guided needle placement with (n = 10) or without electromagnetic guidance (n = 10).
METHODS
Participants performed 30 ultrasound-guided needle placements using an echogenic stick (0.3-cm diameter) as a target inside a phantom model; this early learning period was divided into sequential periods (P1: 1-5, P2: 6-10, P3: 11-15, P4: 16-20, P5: 21-25, P6: 26-30 attempts).
RESULTS
Using an in-plane approach, the time required for needle placement in the EMG group was significantly shorter than that of the non-EMG group in P1, P2, P4, and P6 and the number of needle advances of the EMG group was significantly smaller than that of the non-EMG group in P1 and P2. Using an out-of-plane approaches, the time required for needle placement in the EMG group was significantly shorter than that of the non-EMG group in all periods, but the number of needle advances was similar between both groups in P1-P5.
CONCLUSIONS
The electromagnetic guidance system may be beneficial when performing ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks or vascular cannulation in the early learning period, especially by inexperienced operators with reducing patient risk.

Keyword

Electromagnetic fields; Learning curve; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Catheterization
Electromagnetic Fields
Humans
Learning Curve*
Learning*
Magnets*
Needles
Peripheral Nerves
Ultrasonography*