Skip to main content

Ultrasound guided neonatal lumbar puncture: A simulation training model for dynamic lumbar punctures

This project has been secured to protect intellectual property.

Login for More Information

The team will design an ultrasound phantom of a neonate's lumbar spine to allow physicians to practice withdrawing cerebrospinal fluid from small, neonatal spines.

Project Overview

Lumbar punctures are used to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from neonates in order to diagnose diseases, most notably meningitis. Unfortunately, the procedure has a high failure rate of up to 65%. By imaging the area with ultrasound the procedure can be made safer and reduce the failure rate. Current training methods for this procedure are ineffective as there are no models small enough to replicate the size of a neonate's spine.
The team’s task is to create an ultrasound phantom of a neonate’s lumbar spine and sacrum, which includes landmarks like the conus medullaris. The model must provide feedback, such as the ability to withdraw a CSF mimic, and produce anatomically accurate imaging through the use of ultrasound. This life-size model will allow physicians to practice lumbar punctures on the small, neonatal spines prior to attempting the procedure on patients.

Team Picture

Left to Right: Seth, Noah, Bronz, Lily, Macy, Mackenzie
Left to Right: Seth, Noah, Bronz, Lily, Macy, Mackenzie

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Seth Gehrke - Team Leader
  • Bronz Geissler - Communicator
  • Noah Pollard - BSAC
  • Lily Xistris - BWIG
  • Mackenzie Beam - Co-BPAG
  • Macy Frank - Co-BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Walter Block - Advisor
  • Dr. Brady Hauser - Client
  • Dr. Adam Bauer - Alternate Contact

Related Projects

Back to Top