Abstract: SA-PO020
The Renal Biopsy Trainer: A Cheaper and More Practical Approach to Procedure Simulation
Session Information
- Educational Research
November 09, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 800 Educational Research
Authors
- Nassar, Elias, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Horsley, Neil B., University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Sawaya, B. Peter Emile, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Background
Current kidney biopsy simulators are scarcely available, expensive and hard to maintain. We developed a Renal Biopsy Trainer (RBT) based on 3D printing technology. This RBT is a life size recreation of the abdominal cavity and the anatomy of the kidney and lumbar region with use of 3D volume visualization of CT images of the abdomen. From the CT the kidney was reconstructed and ported into a CAD program and to create a mold. Silicone molds of the various anatomical structures (e.g. cortex, medulla, calices) were printed so that these structures can be visually distinguished upon taking a biopsy core. The "Renal Biopsy Trainer (RBT)" intends to teach both the anatomy of the kidney as well as serve as an introductory tool to performing kidney biopsy, which can allow a learner to train on a more accurate model obtain immediate feedback on core sample that was taken.
Methods
The RBT is a life-size recreation of the abdominal cavity, kidney and lumbar region with the use of 3D volume visualization of CT images of the abdomen. The kidney was reconstructed into a 3D object which was exported into
a computer assisted design (CAD) program. We created silicone molds of the various anatomical structures of the kidney (e.g. cortex, medulla, calices). Each structure was color coded and can be visually distinguished upon inspection.
Results
We created a life-size RBT at a cost of $20. It allows more than 20 passes. The replacement parts (lower pole of the kidney) cost less than $10. The RBT is ultrasound compatible and allows real-time performance of the kidney biopsy. The varied density of each layer allows the operator to “feel” when penetrating the cortex. The color coded sections of the kidney permits immediate
feedback about the section from which the biopsy was obtained.
Conclusion
In contrast to commercially available simulators, which are prohibitively expensive, and their use is limited to only a few large medical education centers with a high cost of operation. The RBT is a practical and cheap introductory tool to teach both the anatomy of the kidney and the performance of a renal biopsy with all its intricacies. It can be easily located in the trainees’ room for practicing frequently and gaining confidence in performing this critical procedure in Nephrology training.