Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025
05:04
Author Spotlight: Evaluating Clinicians' Adoption of Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Cannulation Through Simulation Training
Published on: August 9, 2024
1.1K
Ultrasound-guided Emergency Pericardiocentesis Simulation on Human Cadavers: A Scoping Review
Luca Ünlü1, Felix Margenfeld2, Adib Zendehdel2
1University Hospital Basel, Department of Emergency Medicine, Petersgraben 2, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|June 25, 2025
Summary
Simulation of emergency pericardiocentesis using ultrasound guidance in human cadavers is limited but feasible. This scoping review found four studies supporting cadavers as a training modality for emergency physicians.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Emergency Medicine
- Anatomical Simulation
Background:
- Emergency pericardiocentesis is a critical procedure for emergency physicians.
- Effective training modalities are needed due to the infrequent performance of this procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify existing literature on the simulation of ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis in human cadavers.
- To assess the feasibility of using human cadavers for training.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive scoping review was conducted.
- Searches included multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, BIOSIS, Web of Science) and gray literature.
- Studies were screened by one reviewer and full-text reviewed by two independent reviewers, focusing on English or German publications.
Main Results:
- The search yielded 9,821 publications, with four studies meeting inclusion criteria.
- Studies were primarily from the USA, utilizing various cadaver types (soft-embalmed, fresh frozen).
- Simulation involved accessing the pericardial sac with catheters and filling it with fluid.
Conclusions:
- Limited evidence exists for ultrasound-guided emergency pericardiocentesis simulation in human cadavers.
- Human cadavers show potential as a viable training model for this critical procedure.
