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| Ultrasound Innovation Award |
| Online Abstract Submission |
| (Author: Geoff Bellingham ) |
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| Abstract |
| Type: Other |
| Title: A Low-Cost, Ultrasound Phantom of the Lumbosacral Spine |
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| Disclosure Statements |
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My research & development of my invention is not supported by a commercial company |
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| Abstract |
| We describe the preparation of a low-cost gelatin-based phantom used to teach ultrasound guided interventional pain management techniques around the lumbosacral spine. It is used for practicing probe handling, recognition of sonoanatomy, and placement of needles. Advantages of this model include its lower cost, transparency, and ability to be recovered after use. The transparency of the gelatin allows trainees to have direct visual access to the section of the spine the ultrasound probe is scanning. Consequently, they can develop an appreciation of the corresponding sonoanatomy and needle placement on the ultrasound monitor. The phantom is produced by simply placing a spine model into a concentrated gelatin solution. We have used a spine model of the lower three lumbar vertebra and sacrum without soft tissue elements. Approximately 4 L of hot tap water (120oF) is mixed with 350 g of gelatin and then poured over the model and placed in a fridge. The gelatin hardens into a firm, durable, and transparent block. The phantom can be maintained by washing its surface with water to remove any ultrasound gel applied to it during scanning practice. Needle track marks can be ‘erased’ by melting the gelatin in a microwave and then placing it back in a refrigerator to harden. This teaching tool provides trainees with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with boney sonoanatomy of the lumbosacral spine in addition to practicing probe handling techniques and needle placement.
Figure 1. (a) Spine phantom prior to placement in gelatin mold. (b) Spine phantom after gelatin mold has set.
Figure 2. (a) Transverse scan of lumbar vertebra in a healthy volunteer. (b) Corresponding transverse lumbar vertebra scan of spine phantom. SP - Spinous process; Arrowhead - Facet joint (c) Parasagittal scan of lumbar spine in a healthy volunteer. (d) Corresponding parasagittal scan of spine phantom. Arrows - Vertebral laminae; * - Posterior vertebral body.
Figure 3. (a) Transverse scan of sacrum at S1 level in a healthy volunteer. (b) Corresponding transverse scan of sacrum at S1 level of spine phantom. SP - Spinous process; Arrowhead - S1 foramina (c) Transverse scan of sacral cornu in a healthy volunteer. (d) Corresponding transverse scan of sacral cornu of spin model. Arrows - Sacral cornu.
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| Clinical Significance |
| The lumbosacral spine phantom described is useful for teaching basic ultrasound guided interventional skills. It assists in teaching sonoanatomy of the spine and allows one to practice probe handling as well as needle placement. |
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| Ultrasound Equipment |
| Manufacturer: Philips |
| Model: HD11 XE |
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| Probe Used |
| Type: Curved linear array |
| Size: 60 mm |
| Frequency: 5-2 MHz |
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| Files |
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1. Filename: Fig1.tif
2. Filename: Fig2.tif
3. Filename: Fig3.tif
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