title: A purpose-built simulator for percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To construct a simple and affordable simulator for ultrasoundguided percutaneous renal biopsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The kidney biopsy phantom was constructed by embedding a porcine kidney in gelatine. Silicon carbide and aluminium oxide were used as scattering particles in order to mimic the ultrasound appearance of human tissues. Two porcine ribs were also embedded. A latex sheet was placed over the top of the gel layer to resemble skin. The simulator was used and feedback from participants obtained during a renal ultrasound course with an international audience of middle-grade trainees from adult and pediatric nephrology, many of whom had never done a renal biopsy. Biopsy was carried out a single-use biopsy gun.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All participants were able to perform a biopsy and obtain a satisfactory sample. All trainees felt that our simulator was very realistic. 94% of participants agreed that the simulator would help to allay their fears in relation to renal biopsy The total cost of the simulator was around £ 50,- for consumables per simulator.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We describe a purpose-built and affordable simulator for percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy. We suggest that others evaluate our simulator used as part of a structured approach to teach this important procedure.
authors: Department of Nephrology, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK. Alex.Woywodt@lthtr.nhs.uk
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Woywodt
authors: Thien
authors: T
authors: How
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Schulz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D009398:Nephrology / Q000193:education*; D013552:Swine; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional