title: Introducing ultrasound-guided vein catheterization into clinical practice: A step-by-step guide for organizing a hands-on training program with inexpensive handmade models.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Central vein catheterization (CVC) plays a central role in hospital patient management. Compared with the use of traditional anatomical landmarks, ultrasound-guidance is associated with higher CVC success rates, fewer complications, and more rapid central venous access. The use of US-guided CVC in clinical practice has not become widespread, largely because anesthesiology and general surgery residents receive limited training in this technique. To increase the use of US-guided CVC in our surgical department, we organized a hands-on training program based on the use of handmade models.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three different models were constructed using plastic food-storage containers, segments of rubber tourniquet and silastic tubing (to simulate vessels), and agar gelatin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The hands-on training course allowed progressive acquisition of the basic hand-eye coordination skills necessary for performing US-guided venipuncture. The overall cost for each model was less than €5.00.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The models described in this report are useful tools for teaching US-guided CVC. Thanks to their low-cost, they can be widely used to facilitate the introduction of this technique in clinical practice.
authors: Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, San Martino University Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Di Domenico
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Licausi
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Porcile
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Piaggio
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Troilo
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Centanaro
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Valente
keywords: Central vein catheterization; Handmade models; Training; Ultrasound
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