A Low-Fidelity, High-Functionality, Inexpensive Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block Model

Ultrasound guidance has become an important part of performing peripheral nerve blocks within the emergency department. Real-time ultrasound guidance during nerve blockade decreases the risks associated with improper needle placement. Nerve block simulation training before direct patient practice has demonstrated a reduction in procedural length and improvement of outcomes. However, most low-fidelity nerve block models, although able to simulate the visual appearance of a nerve, are unable to mimic the sonographic findings of the injection of an anesthetic agent. High-fidelity models have demonstrated improved functionality but at significantly increased cost. We sought to create an inexpensive model that could be easily reproduced while still allowing for a realistic sonographic appearance of human nerve anatomy, the performance of the nerve block, and the subsequent hydrodissection. The use of pork or lamb to simulate human tissue in nerve block models has been described previously for nerve block models. The use of chicken breast to simulate human tissue has been described previously in the use of vascular access models, but, to our knowledge, there have been no publications related to its use for nerve–block-related teaching.