Key result
A scoping review identified four studies demonstrating that human cadavers, using either soft-embalmed or fresh-frozen models, can be feasibly used for ultrasound-guided emergency pericardiocentesis simulation.
Why the study?
Emergency pericardiocentesis is critical but infrequently performed in emergency medicine, requiring effective training modalities, so researchers sought to identify existing literature on ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis simulation in human cadavers.
Cadaver-based simulation of ultrasound-guided emergency pericardiocentesis is feasible and provides a realistic training modality for this high-acuity, low-occurrence procedure.
Should not yet change pericardiocentesis training; leaves open whether cadaver models outperform commercial simulators.
OBJECTIVES: Emergency pericardiocentesis is a critical but infrequently performed procedure in emergency medicine, necessitating effective training modalities for emergency physicians. In this scoping review we aimed to identify existing literature on simulation of ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis in human cadavers. METHODS: We carried out a scoping review based on a search on the use of sonography on human cadavers. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE; EMBASE; CENTRAL; BIOSIS Previews; and Web of Science Core Collection. Additionally, we performed a gray literature search. Title and abstract screening were done by a single reviewer, and full-text review was performed by two independent reviewers. Studies included were limited to those published in English or German, focusing specifically on ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis training models in human cadavers, with no restrictions on publication year or outcomes. RESULTS: Our search strategy yielded 9,821 publications and 1,440 reports were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, four studies met the inclusion criteria. All were conducted in the USA; two used soft-embalmed cadavers, one reported using fresh frozen cadavers, and one did not specify the cadaver type used. All studies accessed the pericardial sac using large-bore catheters or peripheral lines, filling it with (colored) water for simulation. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on ultrasound-guided emergency pericardiocentesis simulation on human cadavers remains limited, but based on the four studies we reviewed human cadavers could be used for (emergency) pericardiocentesis simulation.
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Ünlü et al. (2025) conducted a review in Emergency pericardiocentesis simulation (n=4). Human cadaver simulation models was evaluated on Feasibility and methods of human cadaver use for pericardiocentesis simulation. A scoping review identified four studies demonstrating that human cadavers, using either soft-embalmed or fresh-frozen models, can be feasibly used for ultrasound-guided emergency pericardiocentesis simulation.
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