A robust and inexpensive phantom for fluoroscopically guided lumbar puncture training

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Anatomical Phantoms
• Medical Education Technology

Background:

• Development of an inexpensive, durable lumbar spine phantom for fluoroscopically guided lumbar puncture (LP) training.
• Addresses the need for realistic training tools in medical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the creation process of a low-cost, durable lumbar spine phantom.
• To evaluate the phantom's accuracy and utility in training for lumbar puncture procedures.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a phantom using a polyvinyl chloride lumbar spine model embedded in a thermoplastic polymer gel.
• Radiology residents with limited LP experience performed 20 simulated procedures.
• Collected resident feedback through surveys and expert radiologist evaluations.

Main Results:

• Phantom demonstrated good physical agreement with human anatomy via fluoroscopy and CT.
• Expert radiologists confirmed sufficient anatomical accuracy under live fluoroscopy.
• Resident surveys indicated realistic tactile simulation of soft tissue resistance and texture.
• Prototype material cost was approximately $148.00.

Conclusions:

• The novel spine phantom is cost-effective compared to commercial alternatives.
• Offers reasonable visual and tactile fidelity to human anatomy for training.
• May enhance physician trainee confidence in performing lumbar punctures.
• Phantom is durable and repairable by reheating the polymer gel.