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Ultrasound (US) can reduce the number of punctures and complication rates of several types of vascular cannulation without lengthening the duration of the intervention [1]. However, even with US, the rate of posterior wall penetration during jugular vein catheterization, for instance, can exceed 60% when performed by junior residents [2]. Learning US guided procedures is still achieved mainly in the clinical setting: not only this exposes patients to real risks, but time constraints may also limit the acquisition of spatial orientation and handeye coordination [3]. In this perspective, a consensus is emerging on the need to develop simulation-based learning curricula for ultrasound guided procedures [4].
Synthetic anatomical models called "phantoms" whose sonographic appearance is very close to human tissue have been commercially available for years, but the use of commercial phantoms is limited by their high cost. Conversely, home-made phantoms fashioned from various materials (animal tissues, gelatins, agar, tofu) have been described but tend to be fragile and have a limited lifetime [5]. We therefore aimed to manufacture a phantom which is durable, safe, acoustically satisfying and inexpensive using polymeric materials.
We thus present a new type of silicone phantom designed...