A comparison of free-hand vs laser-guided long-axis ultrasound techniques in novice users

The increasing use of point-of-care ultrasonography for targeted procedures justifies a device that helps both novices in training and experts perform the long-axis needle approach. The initial success of traditional needle guidance devices in reducing the time of target procedures is not universal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of radiology 2013-09, Vol.86 (1029), p.20130026-20130026
Main Authors: Collins, G B, Fanou, E-M, Young, J, Bhogal, P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Clinical Competence
Education, Medical, Undergraduate
Female
Humans
Lasers
Models, Structural
Phantoms, Imaging
Punctures
Time Factors
Ultrasonography, Interventional
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Summary:The increasing use of point-of-care ultrasonography for targeted procedures justifies a device that helps both novices in training and experts perform the long-axis needle approach. The initial success of traditional needle guidance devices in reducing the time of target procedures is not universal and they can be cumbersome. We aim to investigate whether the less bulky and previously untested laser guide can succeed in reducing procedure time in novice ultrasonographers. 82 medical students with no ultrasound experience volunteered. Random allocation determined whether, during a targeted procedure in a turkey breast and olive phantom, participants were assisted by the laser guide or not. The time taken to pierce the target was recorded at 1-cm depth. The mean procedure time in the laser-assisted (LA) group was 25.1 s (14.0 s; 18.0-25.0 s). The mean procedure time in the free-hand group was 45.5 s (23.0 s; 7.0-55.0 s). The procedure time in the LA group was significantly reduced (p
ISSN:0007-1285
1748-880X
DOI:10.1259/bjr.20130026