A novel low-cost model of superficial abscess for trainee education in incision and drainage

• Published in: Surgery open science Vol. 14; pp. 124 - 127
• Main Authors: Ladowski, Joseph M., Kang, Lillian, Triplett, Layla, Fogler, Brian, Migaly, John, Zani, Sabino, Jackson, Louise, Vatsaas, Cory J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.08.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Incision and drainage; Superficial abscess; Surgical simulation; Technical Note; Ultrasound; Surgical simulation; Incision and drainage; Ultrasound; Superficial abscess
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2023.07.015
• ISSN: 2589-8450

Proficiency in ultrasound usage is quickly becoming an expectation in multiple residency programs: emergency medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, surgery, and internal medicine. There is a lack of affordable training devices for ultrasound training and identification of superficial fluid collections. We sought to develop a model for trainee education in ultrasound usage, identification of superficial fluid collection, aspiration, and incision & drainage (I&D). Commercially available products were used to develop a novel, low-cost model for ultrasound-guided aspiration and I&D of an abscess. A latex balloon embedded in silicone gel construct simulated a superficial fluid collection when examined with an ultrasound probe and monitor. A 18-gauge needle on a 10-cc syringe were used for aspiration, and a 15-blade disposal scalpel with 0.25″ packing strip used for I&D. Approximately six hours are required to generate 24 individual models of a superficial abscess. Following an initial investment, each model costs less than $1 USD to produce. Compared to commercially available models, this represents a significant savings. This model was utilized during the medical school academic year as a teaching aid for medical students to simulate ultrasound-guided identification, aspiration, and incision and drainage of a superficial abscess. We successfully produced an affordable, low-cost model of a superficial fluid collection for training in ultrasound usage, aspiration, and I&D. The model represents significant savings over commercially available alternatives and can be easily replicated for trainee education.