title: Novice performance of ultrasound-guided needling skills: effect of a needle guidance system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ultrasound-guided needle placement is a widely used technical skill that can be challenging to learn. The SonixGPS is a novel ultrasound needle-tracking system that has the potential to improve performance over traditional ultrasound systems. The objective of our study was to determine if the use of the SonixGPS ultrasound system improves performance of novice practitioners in ultrasound-guided needle placement compared with conventional ultrasound in the out-of-plane approach on a simulation model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six medical students without previous ultrasound experience were randomized into 2 groups. Each group performed 30 simulated ultrasound nerve blocks on a porcine meat tissue simulation (phantom) model. Both groups used the SonixGPS ultrasound; however, the study group had the needle-tracking system activated, whereas the control group did not. The participants were assessed for success rate, technical aspects of block performance, and certain behaviors that could compromise the quality of the block. Learning curves were developed to assess competence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The needle guidance group reached competence more often. This group had fewer attempts and quality-compromising behaviors than did those using conventional ultrasound.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of the SonixGPS ultrasound needle guidance system improves the performance of technical needling skills of novice trainees in an ex vivo model. The place of this technology in the wider education of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia remains to be established.
authors: From the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Jason
authors: J
authors: McVicar
authors: Ahtsham U
authors: AU
authors: Niazi
authors: Harry
authors: H
authors: Murgatroyd
authors: Ki Jinn
authors: KJ
authors: Chin
authors: Vincent W
authors: VW
authors: Chan
mesh_terms: D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education; D000818:Animals; D002983:Clinical Competence; D059032:Learning Curve; D009339:Needles; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D013337:Students, Medical; D013552:Swine; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*