Ex-Vivo Porcine Model for Ureteral Stent Placement Training.

Realistic simulation models for interventional radiology procedures are limited, including for placement of double-J stents (DJS). Utilizing a porcine kidney and empty saline bag (bladder), an ex-vivo model aiming to improve operator's knowledge and confidence in performing a DJS procedure was developed. Six faculty and fourteen trainees successfully operated on the model. Mean results for faculty vs. trainees are as follows: 2.2 ± 1.5 vs 2.4 ± 1.9 puncture attempts to access collecting system (p = 0.78), 14.5 ± 4.8 vs. 15.1 ± 6.0 minutes for insertion time (p = 0.84), 7.3 ± 2.8 vs. 10.3 ± 2.6 minutes for exchange time (p = 0.04), 8.48 ± 2.0 vs. 8.01 ± 2.6 minutes for fluoroscopy time (p = 0.70), and 5.7 ± 1.6 vs. 5.4 ± 2.0 mGy for absorbed air kerma (p = 0.77). Self-assessed knowledge and confidence with DJS placement increased for all participants following model use.