We have been tasked to fabricate a simulator model to train physicians in neonatal thoracentesis and pericardiocentesis with point of care ultrasound compatibility to increase first-effusion efficacy.

Project Overview

Thoracentesis (placing a needle into the chest wall through the parietal pleural to evacuate air or fluid) and pericardiocentesis (placing a needle into the pericardial sac to remove air or fluid surrounding the heart) in neonates are traditionally performed by palpation of anatomical features and landmarks and “blindly” inserting a needle into the respective area. Our client, Dr. Adam Bauer, is a pediatrician and neonatology specialist at UW Health. He is interested in creating an anatomically accurate model of the neonatal thoracic cavity, in which medical professionals in-training can use point of care ultrasound (POCUS) to more accurately and reliably visualize needle entry into the appropriate space. Our goal is to develop a simulator which will allow trainees to, simultaneously, hold an ultrasonography probe to examine a neonatal model, obtain anatomically accurate ultrasound images, and advance a needle into the pleural or pericardial space under ultrasound guidance.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Raad Allawi - Team Leader
• Ethan Runde - Communicator
• Lizzie Maly - BSAC
• Gavin Zeng - BWIG
• Alex Houle - Co-BPAG
• Shriya Kaushik - Co-BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Melissa Skala - Advisor
• Dr. Adam Bauer - Client

Related Projects

• Spring 2023: Neonatal thoracic procedural model for thoracentesis and pericardiocentesis, including point of care ultrasound
• Fall 2022: Neonatal thoracic procedural model for thoracentesis and pericardiocentesis, including point of care ultrasound