Ultrasound-guided Emergency Pericardiocentesis Simulation on Human Cadavers: A Scoping Review

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 pericardiocentes...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Luca Ünlü, Felix Margenfeld, Adib Zendehdel, Johannes A. Griese, Amélie Poilliot, Magdalena Müller-Gerbl, Christian H. Nickel, Mirza Dedic
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: eScholarship Publishing, University of California 2025-05-01
Series:Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
Online Access:https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6ns0703m
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1936-900X
1936-9018