A Novel Device for Training and Evaluating Ultrasound ‐Guided Procedures in Anesthesia

Currently, the method of evaluating a student’s skill is a professor’s observation of the student performing the intervention. The novel system developed here (EDU) provides quantitative metrics by continuously tracking the position of the probe and the instrument [1]. EDU provides artificial intelligence-based instrument guidance. The device allows students to select a target and receive guidance about the orientation of the needle required to reach that target prior to insertion. The device also provides continuous visual overlay of the needle trajectory and the needle tip location at all times during the procedure. EDU can operate under a with-guidance and without-guidance mode, with the ability to evaluate the same performance metrics in both modes. A total of 5 different scoring criteria were identified for use in assessing student performance.