The polony phantom: A cost-effective aid for teaching emergency ultrasound procedures

Abstract

Background Central venous access and nerve blockade are essential skills in the practice of emergency medicine, and the utility of emergency ultrasound to guide these procedures has been well demonstrated. Methods A phantom is a valuable tool to learn and develop the dexterity for ultrasound-guided techniques. Results To date, the time and cost required to produce or purchase such models has somewhat limited their use. Conclusion A time- and cost-effective alternative using polony and common household items is presented. © Springer-Verlag London Ltd 2010.