A new development in ultrasound-compatible gynecologic brachytherapy simulators

Purpose: Gynecologic brachytherapy is an essential component in the curative treatment of cervical cancer. With the decline in brachytherapy utilization, gynecologic brachytherapy simulators are being used to provide a mechanism to enhance proficiency-based resident training. However, most models that have been used lack procedural fidelity as they are either repurposed from OB/GYN basic models or from physics phantoms. Therefore, we set out to develop a high-fidelity, ultrasound- and CT-compatible gynecologic brachytherapy training simulator.

Methods and materials: Based on prior experience with gynecologic training simulators on the market, we developed a wish list for an ultrasound-compatible brachytherapy training model. A custom simulator was developed based on an existing pelvic ultrasound trainer. Features included a cervical os and endometrial canal as well as a palpable and hypoechoic cervical tumor.

Results: The model took about 3 months from the initial meeting with the developer to completion. The properties of the material were equivalent to water for ultrasound, CT, and also MRI and the model did not show signs of degradation after multiple tandem insertions.

Conclusions: A high-fidelity ultrasound-compatible simulator was effectively developed and utilized to improve resident training to perform brachytherapy implants with a derivative benefit in the long term of improving survival for women with advanced gynecologic malignancies through having access to more proficient brachytherapists. Future directions include enhancing the model to allow for repetitive needle insertion and suturing for interstitial training as well as creating variations in anatomy (e.g., retroverted uterus, bulky tumors, etc.) for more advanced technical training.