Development and evaluation of a novel cadaveric model for performance of image-guided percutaneous renal tumor ablation

Scott M. Castle, Vladislav Gorbatiy, Nelson Salas, Michael A. Gorin, Jaime Landman, Raymond J. Leveillee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Thermal ablation is a well established treatment option for the management small renal masses. Increasingly, renal ablation is performed via a percutaneous approach. However, most urologists are not formally trained in image-based deployment of ablation needles. To address this need, we created a novel training model to teach urologists to perform precise and accurate percutaneous needle placement. This teaching model was implemented as part of a recent training course on tissue ablation organized by the American Urological Association. Two fresh frozen human cadavers (Anatomic Gifts Registry, Hanover, Maryland) were used in the model. Plumber's Putty (Oatey, Cleveland, Ohio) and nonpitted olives soaked in Isovue (Bracco Dianostics, Inc, New York, New York) were used to create ablation targets. Course participants underwent a tutorial on the computed tomography (CT)-guided deployment of a 19-gauge Yueh Needle (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana) or Cool-tip radio-frequency ablation (RFA) probe (Covidien, Inc, Boulder, Colorado). After each needle placement, a CT scan was performed to assess successful deployment. Participants were then queried regarding their experience. A total of 18 urologists performed needle or radio-frequency ablation probe placement on 2 cadavers. A mean of 3.39 (range 2-5) attempts was required to hit targets. Subjectively, participants noted an increase in confidence performing percutaneous needle deployment. The cadaver laboratory exposed participants to pretreatment planning, tactile feel of needle placement, needle readjustment, and 3-D spatial relationships of a percutaneous approach. The presented cadaveric model is an effective tool for teaching percutaneous needle placement. All urologists evaluated noted increased confidence in this technique after training on the model.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)30-33
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of surgical education
Volume69
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cryoablation
  • education
  • percutaneous
  • radiofrequency ablation
  • small renal masses
  • thermal ablation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Education

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