Ex Vivo Porcine Model for Ureteral Stent Placement Training

Realistic simulation models for interventional radiology procedures are limited, including for placement of double-J ureteral stents (DJSs). Using a porcine kidney and empty saline bag (bladder), an ex vivo model aiming to improve operators’ knowledge and confidence in performing a DJS procedure was developed. Six faculty (J.W., J.L.) and 14 trainees (C.B.O.) successfully operated on the model. Mean results for faculty versus trainees were as follows: 2.2 (SD ± 1.5) versus 2.4 (SD ± 1.5) puncture attempts to access the collecting system (P = .78), 14.5 minutes (SD ± 4.8) versus 15.1 minutes (SD ± 6.0) for insertion time (P = .84), 7.3 minutes (SD ± 2.8) versus 10.3 minutes (SD ± 2.6) for exchange time (P = .04), 8.48 minutes (SD ± 2.0) versus 8.01 minutes (SD ± 2.6) for fluoroscopy time (P = .70), and 5.7 mGy (SD ± 1.6) versus 5.4 mGy (SD ± 2.0) for absorbed air kerma (P = .77). Self-assessed knowledge and confidence with DJS placement increased for all participants following model use.