Perk Tutor: an open-source training platform for ultrasound-guided needle insertions

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Image-guided needle placement, particularly ultrasound (US)-guided techniques, is integral to modern medical diagnosis and therapy.
• Developing competent physicians in these advanced techniques requires effective and efficient educational programs.
• The need for standardized, accessible training tools is paramount for future medical practitioners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Perk Tutor, a configurable, open-source training platform designed for ultrasound (US)-guided needle insertions.
• To demonstrate the adaptability and modularity of the Perk Tutor through various procedural configurations.
• To provide a free, research-enabling resource for developing and advancing medical education in US-guided interventions.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Perk Tutor, a modular and configurable training platform.
• Implementation of three distinct configurations: Targeting Tutor, Lumbar Tutor, and Prostate Biopsy Tutor.
• Testing the platform's adaptability and effectiveness in simulating different US-guided procedures.

Main Results:

• Successful testing of the Perk Tutor in three different configurations, showcasing its versatility.
• Demonstration of the platform's ability to provide trainees with quantitative feedback on their progress.
• Confirmation of the Perk Tutor's modularity and ease of reconfiguration through simple hardware and software adjustments.

Conclusions:

• The Perk Tutor is a highly adaptable and configurable open-source platform for training US-guided needle insertions.
• The system effectively provides quantitative feedback, aiding in the development of physician competency.
• The Perk Tutor serves as a valuable, free resource for advancing medical education and research in image-guided procedures.