Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
Manufacturing Abdominal Aorta Hydrogel Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for Ultrasound Elastography Validation
Published on: September 19, 2018
Realistic and inexpensive ultrasound phantoms to demonstrate aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection
Kimberly M Rathbun1, Claire F Harryman2, Corey Moore2
1Department of Emergency Medicine Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership Athens Georgia USA.
Introduction:
Using ultrasound to evaluate for the presence of aortic pathology is a common procedure in the emergency department. Phantoms are models that are used to simulate clinical conditions for teaching ultrasound-related skills. To date, no 'homemade' phantom has been created to model aortic aneurysms, and no phantoms exist to model aortic dissection.
Methods:
We used several readily available, inexpensive ingredients to create ultrasound phantoms.
Results:
These phantoms realistically mimic aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.
Discussion:
These are the first 'homemade' phantoms that demonstrate aortic pathology.
Conclusions:
We have created realistic, affordable, easily reproducible phantoms for use in teaching clinicians to use ultrasound when evaluating patients for aortic aneurysm and/or aortic dissection.
