Self-made transvaginal ultrasound simulator: new training equipment in ultrasound evaluation of controlled ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval
Authors:   Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, Cavalcante Marcelo Borges ,   Center for Teaching and Training in Ultrasound (CETRUS), Recife-PE, Brazil,   Reproductive Medicine, GEARE, Recife-PE, Brazil, Zanforlin Filho Sebastião Marques ,   Center for Teaching and Training in Ultrasound (CETRUS), Recife-PE, Brazil, Ocké Winnie Bastos Nunes Chagouri ,   Center for Teaching and Training in Ultrasound (CETRUS), Recife-PE, Brazil, Caldas Maria Madalena Pessoas ,   Center for Teaching and Training in Ultrasound (CETRUS), Recife-PE, Brazil,   Reproductive Medicine, GEARE, Recife-PE, Brazil, da Silva Pedro Henrique Alcantara ,   Center for Teaching and Training in Ultrasound (CETRUS), Recife-PE, Brazil, Andrade Ferraz Alexandre ,   Center for Teaching and Training in Ultrasound (CETRUS), Recife-PE, Brazil, Pires Cláudio Rodrigues ,   Center for Teaching and Training in Ultrasound (CETRUS), Recife-PE, Brazil, Araujo Júnior Edward ,   Department of Obstetrics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo-SP, Brazil,   Medical Course, Municipal University of São Caetano do Sul (USCS), Bela Vista Campus, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
Published: May 2023

Aim: We sought to create and describe a self-made simulator designed and created for teaching purposes: a high-fidelity ultrasound phantom for demonstrating antral follicle count, ultrasound supervision of controlled of ovarian stimulation, and ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval. Materials and methods: The uterus and ovaries of the ultrasound phantom were made from beef tongue, a male condom, latex gloves, cotton suture threads, bi-distilled water, and ultrasound gel. The components were placed in a pelvis created using three-dimensional (3D) printing. The phantom was presented to and evaluated by a group of 14 physicians pursuing a postgraduate course in reproductive medicine. Two training stations were structured: one to simulate antral follicle count and controlled ovarian stimulation and the other to simulate ultrasoundguided oocyte retrieval. Future specialists were requested to complete a feedback questionnaire evaluating the self-made simulator and the two practice stations. Results: The transvaginal ultrasound phantom was successfully created, making it possible to simulate antral follicle count, ultrasound control of ovarian hyperstimulation, and oocyte retrieval, and to capture ultrasound images. A review of the answers provided in the feedback questionnaire showed that the phantom had a good appearance and design, was realistic, helped to improve motor coordination, and could be a useful tool in the training of specialists in assisted reproduction. Conclusion: This phantom was designed to enable instruction and practice in the evaluation of ovarian follicles and ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval in a supervised training environment. This selfmade simulator is proposed as a training tool that could be included in the curricular structure of residency and postgraduate programs in reproductive medicine.