Low-cost gelatin phantom for ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy training: a pictorial essay

Abstract

Abstract Core-needle (tru-cut) biopsy is increasingly used in gynecologic oncology for tissue acquisition and molecular assessment. Adequate operator training is essential, but hands-on opportunities and affordable pelvic simulation models remain limited. This pictorial essay describes a step-by-step approach for pelvic ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy using a low-cost gelatin-based phantom adapted from a previously published model. The phantom incorporates target lesions and optional simulated bowel loops to increase procedural complexity. The accompanying images and instructional video demonstrate phantom preparation, probe handling, needle-beam alignment, lesion targeting, and simulated biopsy using transvaginal/transrectal and transabdominal approaches. This reproducible, inexpensive model may facilitate simulation-based training and improve familiarity with biopsy equipment and needle-tip visualization before supervised clinical practice.