An Inexpensive, Easily Constructed, Reusable Task Trainer for Simulating Ultrasound-Guided Pericardiocentesis

Pericardiocentesis is a low frequency, high-risk procedure integral to the practice of emergency medicine.^{1, 2} Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis is the preferred technique for providing this critical care.³ Traditionally, emergency physicians learned pericardiocentesis real time, at the beside, on critically ill patients. Medical education is moving toward simulation for training and assessment of procedures such as pericardiocentesis, because it allows learners to practice time-sensitive skills without risk to patient or learner.⁴ There are mannequin-based simulators capable of supporting landmark-guided pericardiocentesis, but they are expensive. No commercially available simulation models enable physicians to practice pericardiocentesis under ultrasound guidance. We have developed an ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis task trainer that allows the physician to insert a needle under ultrasound guidance, pierce the “pericardial sac” and aspirate “blood”. Our model can be simply constructed in a home kitchen and the overall preparation time is one hour. Our model costs $20.00 (US, 2008). Materials needed for the construction include 12 ounces of plain gelatin, one large balloon, one golf ball, food coloring, non-stick cooking spray, one wooden cooking skewer, Betadine™, and a 3-quart sized Tupperware container. Refrigeration and a heat source for cooking are also required. Once prepared, the model is usable for two weeks at room temperature and may be preserved an additional week if refrigerated. When the model shows signs of wear, it can be easily remade, by simply recycling the existing materials. 1. Ann Emerg Med. 2001, 37:745–770. 2. Acad Emerg Med. 2008, 15:1046–1057. 3. Crit Care Med. 2007, 35:S290–304. 4. Ann Emerg Med. 2008, 15:1117–1129.