Three-dimensional printed neonatal cannulation phantom for ultrasound-guided vascular access training

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Pediatric Medical Devices
• 3D Printing in Medicine

Background:

• Commercially available cannulation phantoms are costly and designed for adults.
• There is a need for accessible, realistic training tools for neonatal vascular access.
• Neonatal vascular access procedures require specialized skills and practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and create a cost-effective, 3D-printed neonatal cannulation phantom.
• To evaluate the phantom's utility as a training resource for clinicians.
• To improve the safety and efficacy of neonatal vascular access procedures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to fabricate a neonatal cannulation phantom.
• Recruited operators with diverse clinical experience levels.
• Assessed the successful cannulation and central catheter insertion under ultrasound guidance.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed neonatal cannulation phantom was successfully produced.
• Operators of varying expertise successfully performed cannulation and catheter insertion using the phantom.
• The phantom demonstrated realism and reusability for training purposes.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-printed neonatal cannulation phantom is a valuable, reusable training resource.
• This phantom improves hand-eye coordination, dexterity, confidence, and safety for clinicians performing neonatal vascular access.
• It offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive, adult-oriented phantoms for neonatal procedural training.