A Low-Cost, High-Fidelity Simulator for Transabdominal Chorionic Villus Sampling

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is crucial for first-trimester genetic diagnosis.
• Limited clinical cases hinder training for new clinicians in CVS techniques.
• Existing simulation models are costly, require specialized materials, and are not reusable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a low-cost, reusable simulator for trans-abdominal CVS (TA-CVS) training.
• To assess the fidelity and utility of the simulator for maternal-fetal medicine fellows.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a TA-CVS simulator using inexpensive, readily available materials.
• Evaluation of the simulator by attending physicians for visual and tactile accuracy.
• Integration of the simulator into the fellowship curriculum for hands-on training.

Main Results:

• The simulator is constructed for under $10 and can be refrigerated for repeated use.
• Attending physicians found the model to be an accurate visual and tactile simulation.
• Two fellows achieved competency on the simulator and began supervised clinical CVS procedures.
• The simulator has been reused for 3 months with dozens of procedures without degradation.

Conclusions:

• A low-cost, easily constructed, and durable high-fidelity simulator for TA-CVS has been developed.
• The simulator serves as a valuable tool for repeated practice, enhancing clinical skills.
• This model facilitates effective training for maternal-fetal medicine fellows in CVS techniques.