[Simulator model for ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis : Construction manual and practical evaluation]

An important challenge in learning ultrasound-assisted interventions, such as pericardiocentesis, is the navigation of the needle in a three-dimensional space on the basis of a two-dimensional image. In order to learn this in vitro realistic simulators are required. We manufactured a model which allows simulation of pericardiocentesis on the basis of ballistic gelatin (12.6%, 250 Bloom). Furthermore, the pericardiocentesis model was subjectively evaluated by 37 anesthetists in a pre-post design. The models used proved to be technically simple to manufacture, hard wearing and realistic. They are therefore regularly used in our hospitals to learn ultrasound-assisted interventions.