Gastric PoCUS Model

This model was developed to support instruction during a gastric point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) workshop. It was later simplified to make it easier to 3D print and distribute to residents completing their PoCUS training, (as described in the following section). The model highlights the importance of using the liver as an acoustic window and identifying the aorta and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) to obtain the appropriate plane for measuring the antral cross-sectional area. It also demonstrates how positioning the patient in the right lateral decubitus position promotes the accumulation of gastric contents in the antrum, allowing for a more accurate measurement of antral surface area and,  estimation of gastric content volume.

The model consists of three anatomical structures—the liver, stomach, and vasculature, including the aorta and superior mesenteric artery—along with a supporting base. Each structure is split longitudinally to represent the ultrasound view obtained during gastric ultrasound assessment. Magnets are incorporated into the structures to allow for easy assembly demonstrating the anatomy, and disassembly demonstrating the corresponding ultrasound view.

To facilitate 3D printing, both the liver and stomach are divided into three pieces. The aorta and SMA are printed in two pieces, as is the base.

The printed components include spaces designed to accommodate 3 × 6 mm magnets, which join the left and right sides of the liver, stomach, and vasculature. This allows the model to be assembled as a single unit and then separated into left and right sections to demonstrate the ultrasound view.

Print difficulty: Moderate

Material: PLA (ideally 4 colors, can work with less)

Nozzle: 0.4

Layer height: 0.2

Supports: No support

Post-processing time: 20-30 minutes

Total filament required: Less than 400 g

Magnets are of standard size (3 by 6 mm), and available on Amazon and Ali Express.

In addition to inserting the magnets, the liver and stomach parts need to be glued together

In our version, red PLA was used for the vasculature, pink PLA for the stomach, purple PLA for the liver, and clear PLA for the base.