Artisanal model replaces animal use for ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture practice in medical sciences teaching

Fine needle puncture (FNP) is a widespread technique used to collect cellular samples. Its efficiency can be enhanced by the use of ultrasonography to guide the procedure. Ultrasound-guided FNP is therefore an operator-dependent exam. For this reason, it demands the acquisition of psychomotor skill, ability to recognize structures, and dexterity during the needle puncture. This study describes the development of an artisanal simulator made with gelatin to replace the use of live animals during practical classes in veterinary or medical sciences education. The experimental set consisted of three phases in which the student performed different tasks such as recognition of the target structure with ultrasound and injection of ink (phase 1) or aspiration (phase 2) of its content and evaluation of a parenchymatous organ (liver) and puncture of its surface (phase 3). A survey on the acceptance of the model was carried out, and students filled out a questionnaire elaborated with the visual analog scale system. Participants considered the artisanal model a strong method to teach ultrasound-guided FNP. Other attractive advantages of this simulator are the low manufacturing costs (compared with expensive high-technology devices) and the possibility to replace the use of live animals in practical classes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study describes an artisanal simulator made with gelatin to teach ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture during practical classes in veterinary or medical sciences education. A three-phase experimental set allowed the students to practice ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture, aspiration, and injection in three different target structures. This cost-effective simulator may be an alternative to the use of expensive devices or the use of live animals during practical classes.