TISSUE-MIMICKING MATERIALS FOR ULTRASOUND-GUIDED NEEDLE INTERVENTION PHANTOMS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Ultrasound-guided needle interventions are common procedures in medicine, and tissue-mimicking phantoms are widely used for simulation training to bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice in a con-trolled environment. This review assesses tissue-mimicking materials from 24 studies as candidates for a high-fidelity ultrasound phantom, including methods for evaluating relevant acoustic and mechanical properties and to what extent the reported materials mimic the superficial layers of biological tissue. Speed of sound, acoustic attenuation, Young's modulus, hardness, needle interaction forces, training efficiency and material limitations were systematically evaluated. Although gelatin and agar have the closest acoustic values to tissue, mechanical properties are limited, and strict storage protocols must be employed to counteract dehydration and microbial growth. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has superior mechanical properties and is a suitable alternative if durability is desired and some ultrasound realism to human tissue may be sacrificed. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), while also requiring hydration, performs well across all categories. Furthermore, we propose a framework for the evalua-tion of future ultrasound-guided needle intervention tissue phantoms to increase the fidelity of training programs and thereby improve clinical performance. (E-mail: Sophie.Armstrong@monash.edu) (c) 2022 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Ultrasound-guided needle interventions are common in medicine, and tissue-mimicking phantoms are used for simulation training. This review evaluates tissue-mimicking materials for high-fidelity ultrasound phantoms and proposes a framework for future evaluation. Gelatin and agar have similar acoustic values to tissue, but limited mechanical properties. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has superior mechanical properties but sacrifices some ultrasound realism. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) performs well in all categories and requires hydration. Improving ultrasound-guided needle intervention training programs can enhance clinical performance.