New economic training model for installing ultrasound-guided drainages

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Interventional Radiology
• Surgical Training

Background:

• Abscesses and fluid collections are common complications requiring drainage.
• Current training methods for ultrasound-guided drainage may be limited or inaccessible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, cost-effective training model for ultrasound-guided drainage.
• To assess the impact of this model on the competence and confidence of medical professionals.

Main Methods:

• A training model was created using water balloons in custard, imaged with CT.
• Experienced and inexperienced examiners performed drainage using ultrasound-guidance alone or with image fusion.
• Participants completed pre- and post-training questionnaires and drainage time was measured.

Main Results:

• All participants reported increased confidence in performing ultrasound-guided drainage after training.
• Before training, few experienced examiners felt confident draining collections >4 cm.
• Volume navigation with image fusion was rated as a helpful adjunct by most participants.

Conclusions:

• This economic and easily reproducible model facilitates training in ultrasound-guided drainage.
• The model enhances skills and confidence for physicians and students in managing fluid collections.
• It provides a practical solution for improving competence in interventional procedures.