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. 2022 Jul 25;25(4):195-199.
doi: 10.1002/ajum.12309. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Realistic and inexpensive ultrasound phantoms to demonstrate aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection

Kimberly M Rathbun  1 , Claire F Harryman  2 , Corey Moore  2
Affiliations

Realistic and inexpensive ultrasound phantoms to demonstrate aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection

Kimberly M Rathbun et al. Australas J Ultrasound Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: Using ultrasound to evaluate for the presence of aortic pathology is a common procedure in the emergency department. Phantoms are models that are used to simulate clinical conditions for teaching ultrasound-related skills. To date, no 'homemade' phantom has been created to model aortic aneurysms, and no phantoms exist to model aortic dissection.

Methods: We used several readily available, inexpensive ingredients to create ultrasound phantoms.

Results: These phantoms realistically mimic aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.

Discussion: These are the first 'homemade' phantoms that demonstrate aortic pathology.

Conclusions: We have created realistic, affordable, easily reproducible phantoms for use in teaching clinicians to use ultrasound when evaluating patients for aortic aneurysm and/or aortic dissection.

Keywords: aortic aneurysm; aortic dissection; education; phantom; simulation.

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Conflict of interest statement

No financial support of conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Ultrasound images of aortic aneurysm (a) and aortic dissection (b) in transverse using a low‐frequency curvilinear probe. [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 2
Figure 2
Supplies needed for making the aortic phantoms: 160 and 360 balloons, water‐absorbing gel crystals, unflavored gelatin and sugar‐free psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid fibre. [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 3
Figure 3
Ultrasound image using a low‐frequency curvilinear probe of the aortic aneurysm construct in gelatin mixture in transverse (a) and longitudinal (b) orientation with measurements. [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 4
Figure 4
Ultrasound image using a low‐frequency curvilinear probe of the aortic dissection construct in gelatin mixture in transverse (a) and longitudinal (b) orientation with measurements. [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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