ArticleCureus2026
Development and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Phantom Model for Ultrasound-Guided Intercostal Chest Drain Insertion.
Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Introduction Intercostal chest drain (ICD) insertion is a key procedure across multiple specialties within the NHS, used primarily to manage pleural effusions and pneumothoraces. Despite its importance, ICD insertion carries a significant complication rate, including injury to surrounding structures, infection, and bleeding. Ultrasound (US) guidance reduces complication and failure rates and is recommended by the British Thoracic Society for pleural procedures. However, many clinicians report low confidence in US-guided ICD insertion, partly due to limited access to training. Existing training models are often costly or limited by realism and ethical concerns. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a low-cost, realistic phantom model for simulation-based training in US-guided ICD insertion. Methods The model, SONIC (SONographic Intercostal Chest drain phantom), was developed using inexpensive, readily available materials, with a final cost of less than £50. The model incorporates anatomically and sonographically realistic ribs, intercostal muscles, and internal organs (lung and liver). SONIC was evaluated during two simulation sessions (February and May 2025) led by Emergency Medicine consultants. A total of 17 participants (including 10 trainees) completed an online questionnaire, with trainees completing additional pre- and post-intervention assessments. Outcomes included self-reported confidence, perceived realism and usefulness, and an informal comparison with commercial models. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Trainees demonstrated improvements in all pre- and post-intervention measures, with significant improvements in understanding of US-guided ICD insertion (
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