J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2023 Jun;34(3):220-229.

An inexpensive, easy, and anatomically similar pericardiocentesis model manufacturing method using gelatin

• Yang HC
• Lee S
• Kim TK
• Jeon J
• Jin SC
• Choi WI
• Yoo J

Abstract

Objective
Cardiac tamponade with hemodynamic collapse requires immediate treatment, and ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis is the treatment of choice. Although an essential skill for emergency physicians, there is a lack of training. We created a phantom that could practice ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis using readily available materials. The pros and cons of the materials used were then compared.
Methods
Cardiac tamponade phantoms were made from gelatin, and included a heart, liver, and rib cage. We conducted a model-specific satisfaction questionnaire targeting 15 emergency physicians. The questionnaire was designed to be answered on a Likert 5-point scale.
Results
Creating the gelatin model took 6 hours. At room temperature, the gelatin model was able to retain its shape for 3 days. Fifteen physicians participated in the questionnaire, comprising five subjects having actual pericardiocentesis experience. In the questionnaire, our model achieved high satisfaction with all questions.
Conclusion
In our study, the pericardiocentesis phantom made from gelatin could maintain its shape for a long time, there was better recognition of the needle tip, and the model was more similar to the actual cardiac tamponade situation. Considering these positive characteristics, we recommend the phantom as a model for pericardiocentesis training.

Keyword

Pericardiocentesis; Ultrasonography; Cardiac tamponade; Imaging phantoms