CONSTRUCTION OF LOW-COST SIMULATORS FOR TRAINING IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE BREAST PROCEDURES

MİRİAN KHÉDE CARETA, MAURA ALAMBERT, RAFAEL DA SİLVA SÁ, SİMONE ELİAS

European Journal of Breast Health - 2024;20(1):64-70

 

Objective: The aim of this work was to describe a technique for building low-cost simulators for training in minimally invasive breast procedures guided by ultrasound (US) and stereotactic mammography (MMG), focusing mainly on training medical professionals studying related areas. Materials and Methods: Low-cost phantoms were developed using organic structures that mimic breast tissue, such as chicken breast and eggplant, and materials that simulate breast lesions. A step-by-step description of the preparation and use of these simulators was made, enabling the reproducibility of the technique by the physicians in training themselves. Results: The low-cost phantoms showed a high degree of echogenic and radiological similarity with human breast tissue, allowing adequate training in minimally invasive procedures. Conclusion: It was possible to build low-cost phantoms that allow training in US- and stereotactic MMG-guided minimally invasive breast procedures.