A 3-Dimensional Printed Ultrasound Probe Visuospatial Trainer.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Anatomy Training

Background:

• Ultrasound training requires visuospatial skills to interpret 3D anatomy.
• Current methods may not fully bridge the gap between 2D ultrasound images and 3D structures.
• Visuospatial aptitude is linked to ultrasound procedural success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel visuospatial trainer for ultrasound education.
• To enhance adult learners' understanding of cardiac ultrasound and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).
• To improve the correlation between 2D ultrasound images and 3D anatomical structures.

Main Methods:

• Developed a 3D-printed housing mimicking an ultrasound transducer, projecting a laser line.
• Integrated the trainer with a porcine heart dissection laboratory.
• Trained learners to align the laser with desired TTE views and dissect the heart along that plane.

Main Results:

• The trainer visually represents the ultrasound field of view.
• Dissection along the projected laser plane allows direct visualization of image generation from 3D structures.
• Provides a tangible method for understanding cross-sectional imaging.

Conclusions:

• The visuospatial trainer and dissection method offer a novel approach to ultrasound education.
• This intervention may enhance visuospatial abilities crucial for ultrasound proficiency.
• Improved understanding of image acquisition can lead to more proficient cardiac ultrasound and TTE adaptation.