A Realistic and Inexpensive Ultrasound Phantom for Teaching M-Mode Measurement of Fetal Heart Rate

Kimberly M. Rathbun, Aaron S. Zweig

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: M-mode ultrasound is frequently used to measure a fetal heart rate. Phantoms are used to simulate clinical conditions for teaching ultrasound-related skills. This is particularly important in the case of early pregnancy, when it is not ethical to use a live fetus in utero for teaching purposes. Objectives: To date, no phantom has been created to model the beating heart of an intrauterine pregnancy. Our goal was to create such a model for use in teaching M-mode ultrasound. Materials and Methods: The phantom is constructed using a toy fish, several balloons, and water-absorbing gel crystals. Results: We have created a novel phantom for use in teaching M-mode measurements. The cost per phantom is around $20 and the phantom can be constructed in about 20 min. Conclusion: This phantom is easily constructed and cost-effective. It gives learners the opportunity to practice measuring an intrauterine fetal heart rate in a learning environment without exposing a live fetus to unnecessary ultrasound.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)744-748
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine
Volume61
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • M-mode
  • education
  • fetal heart rate
  • phantom
  • simulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine

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