Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access Training: A Single-Center Experience Using Gelatin-Based Simulation Models

Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter (CVC) placement is increasingly recognized as the standard of care in intensive care settings. While it improves success rates and reduces complications, proficiency requires repeated practice, which may be difficult to achieve during clinical training. Low-cost simulation models provide a valuable alternative for skill development.

We created vascular access training models using gelatin, food coloring, and balloon materials. Five training sessions were conducted between January 2023 and January 2025 for physicians and residents working in an intensive care unit. Training sessions included lectures, ultrasound scanning of healthy volunteers, and hands-on ultrasound CVC puncture practice using gelatin models. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing prior experience and satisfaction with the training.

A total of 34 responses were collected. Most participants were specialty trainees in Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology, or Intensive Care Medicine. Despite limited experience with landmark-guided CVC placement among many trainees, nearly half had performed over 10 ultrasound-guided insertions, indicating prior exposure to the recommended technique. After the training, 97% reported increased confidence with the gelatin model, and 91% found volunteer-based ultrasound practice beneficial. The primary challenges identified were limited access to ultrasound machines and insufficient time for training.

Gelatin-based models are low-cost, accessible, and well accepted as tools for ultrasound-guided vascular access training. They may help skill acquisition and confidence, even among clinicians with previous experience, and are particularly suited for use in resource-limited settings.