RESUMEN

The thyroid of dogs has not been extensively studied in 2D shear-wave elastography, making it challenging to apply this technique in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases in a non-invasive manner. The aim of this study is to evaluate the thyroid glands of healthy dogs using 2D shear-wave elastography in order to establish qualitative and quantitative parameters of tissue stiffness in dogs in different age groups. A total of 31 dogs of various breeds, sexes, and sizes were evaluated. Animals with clinical signs or ultrasound findings indicative of endocrine disease or thyroid lesions were excluded from the study. The shear-wave velocity data in meters per second (m/s) and color elastograms were evaluated and calculated using QelaXto™ 2D software. A healthy thyroid exhibits a blue-color elastogram, indicative of low stiffness. The reference range for the shear-wave velocity of thyroid tissue assessed by 2D shear-wave elastography can be between 1.6 and 2.0 m/s, with a variation of ±0.889 in adult and senior dogs.

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Fine needle puncture (FNP) is a widespread technique used to collect cellular samples. Its efficiency can be enhanced by the use of ultrasonography to guide the procedure. Ultrasound-guided FNP is therefore an operator-dependent exam. For this reason, it demands the acquisition of psychomotor skill, ability to recognize structures, and dexterity during the needle puncture. This study describes the development of an artisanal simulator made with gelatin to replace the use of live animals during practical classes in veterinary or medical sciences education. The experimental set consisted of three phases in which the student performed different tasks such as recognition of the target structure with ultrasound and injection of ink (phase 1) or aspiration (phase 2) of its content and evaluation of a parenchymatous organ (liver) and puncture of its surface (phase 3). A survey on the acceptance of the model was carried out, and students filled out a questionnaire elaborated with the visual analog scale system. Participants considered the artisanal model a strong method to teach ultrasound-guided FNP. Other attractive advantages of this simulator are the low manufacturing costs (compared with expensive high-technology devices) and the possibility to replace the use of live animals in practical classes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study describes an artisanal simulator made with gelatin to teach ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture during practical classes in veterinary or medical sciences education. A three-phase experimental set allowed the students to practice ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture, aspiration, and injection in three different target structures. This cost-effective simulator may be an alternative to the use of expensive devices or the use of live animals during practical classes.

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RESUMEN

The present study aimed to evaluate the applicability of artisanal simulators to teach veterinary and medical students the ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy using a tru-cut needle. The artisanal simulators consisted of bovine liver between two layers of commercially available grape gelatin. Students were paired, with one doing the biopsy and the other the ultrasound guidance. After performing the biopsies, each student answered a questionnaire with close-ended questions using a visual analog scale. The evaluated items were realism of the model, liver scanning, procedure instructions, biopsy feasibility, tru-cut needle handling, technique learning, and confidence to perform in vivo procedures. Items that received a score of 7 or higher were considered strong items; items with a score between 5 and 6.9 were classified as average items; and items with a score of 5 or lower were considered weak items. The answers to all questions had an average score of 7 or higher, suggesting that the simulator was classified as strong for all of the evaluated items. Answers to question 7 suggested that some of the students did not develop confidence to perform a tru-cut biopsy on a patient. Students evaluated the artisanal simulator as a strong method to be used in ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy with a tru-cut needle. Additionally, the model presented a low cost of production and was proven accurate to teach biopsy skills in health professional schools dealing with veterinary or human medicine.

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