title: A comparison of free-hand vs laser-guided long-axis ultrasound techniques in novice users.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The increasing use of point-of-care ultrasonography for targeted procedures justifies a device that helps both novices in training and experts perform the long-axis needle approach. The initial success of traditional needle guidance devices in reducing the time of target procedures is not universal and they can be cumbersome. We aim to investigate whether the less bulky and previously untested laser guide can succeed in reducing procedure time in novice ultrasonographers.
  
  
  METHODS
  82 medical students with no ultrasound experience volunteered. Random allocation determined whether, during a targeted procedure in a turkey breast and olive phantom, participants were assisted by the laser guide or not. The time taken to pierce the target was recorded at 1-cm depth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean procedure time in the laser-assisted (LA) group was 25.1 s (14.0 s; 18.0-25.0 s). The mean procedure time in the free-hand group was 45.5 s (23.0 s; 7.0-55.0 s). The procedure time in the LA group was significantly reduced (p<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The laser guide significantly improved procedure times. It is felt that the cheaper, smaller, easy to integrate, sterile and more user-friendly laser guidance unit may be a better alternative to the needle guide in improving procedure times for the novice ultrasonographer or to assist the expert, during training for, or performance of, ultrasound-guided targeted procedures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Following from the prototype paper, this is the first study to investigate the effectiveness of attaching a laser-guidance device to an ultrasound probe. The device succeeded in reducing the procedure times of targeted procedures.
authors.affiliation: University College London Medical School, University College London, London, UK. george.collins@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: E-M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Fanou
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bhogal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008961:Models, Structural; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011677:Punctures; D013997:Time Factors; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional