Abstract: Introduction: A low-cost,custom-made,pseudo-anthropomorphic phantom (PT) was fabricated for thoracic ultrasound-guided interventions. PT mimics the lung healthy parenchyma (HP) and pathologies. Methods: The PT was fabricated with polyvinyl alcohol cryogel and cellulose mimicking the HP. Pathologies of interest were reproduced as inclusions containing gaseous,liquid or solid materials. Ribs were included using 3D printed polyethylene terephthalate. The phantom?s assembly offers flexibility regarding the number and location of inclusions as well as the presence of the ribs. In-plane and out-of-plane needle insertions were performed under ultrasound image guidance. In addition,fine needle aspiration biopsy and core needle biopsy were performed on the liquid/solid inclusions. Results: The capabilities of the PT were tested by pulmonologists. The gaseous inclusion displayed a similar resistance and recoil effect to that experienced in a real scenario for a pneumothorax. Also,pathological regions showed a resistance typically encountered in real abscesses and neoplasms. Gaseous and liquid inclusions could be emptied and refilled several times. However,most of the liquid remained within the inclusion after a few days in storage. Needle tracks were barely observed for 14-18 gauge (G). Noticeable tracks were produced for higher G,which after a few days in storage,were naturally refilled with surrounding liquid minimizing the impact of these tracks on the images. Conclusion: That PT is dedicated to aid clinical practitioners to learn about US-guided interventional thoracic procedures. Earlier and improved diagnosis is expected,besides providing precise therapeutic interventions that reduce invasive surgical procedures and their costs.

Authorship

Download reference