Low-Cost Homemade Simulation Trainer for the Erector Spinae Plane Block

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Education
• Ultrasound-Guided Procedures

Background:

• Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (USG-ESPB) is crucial for truncal pain management.
• Existing training models for USG-ESPB can be prohibitively expensive for educational programs.
• Accessible and cost-effective simulation tools are needed for regional anesthesia training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a low-cost, reusable gel phantom for teaching the USG-ESPB.
• To assess the phantom's realism, ultrasound characteristics, and educational utility compared to existing methods.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a phantom using a modified thoracic spine skeleton, a plastic bin, and medical-grade gel.
• Melted and poured gel over the suspended spine model to create the phantom.
• Surveyed eight pain physicians and anesthesiologists on the phantom's tactile properties and ultrasound performance.

Main Results:

• 87.5% of participants found the phantom's texture and resistance realistic.
• 100% confirmed sufficient ultrasound penetration and target visualization.
• Phantom demonstrated superior portability and reproducibility compared to commercial models and cadavers.

Conclusions:

• Low-cost gel phantoms show significant potential for enhancing regional anesthesia education.
• This phantom offers a realistic, accessible, and reproducible alternative to expensive simulators and cadavers.
• Such models can broaden access to essential procedural training in anesthesiology and emergency medicine.