3D-Printed Pediatric Lumbar Puncture Trainer in Ballistics Gel (ALiEM IDEA Series)
INDEXEDFiles for this model are hosted on ALiEM (Academic Life in Emergency Medicine).
Description
A reusable pediatric lumbar puncture trainer built around a CT-derived, 3D-printed pediatric lumbar spine suspended in ballistics gel poured into a child-sized torso mannequin mold. Iliac crests are included so learners can locate L3–L4 by palpation and then confirm with ultrasound. It was created at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital for medical students, residents, fellows and faculty, and fills a gap because commercial pediatric LP simulators are expensive; the ALiEM post shares the spine STL for anyone to reproduce. CT data are segmented in 3D Slicer, cleaned in Meshmixer and printed in PLA. The spine is positioned in the torso form, silicone straws create a fluid-filled canal connected to an IV bag, and melted ballistics gel is poured and cured overnight; a dye-free version lets learners watch the needle path. The authors state spinous processes are clearly visible on ultrasound, supporting ultrasound-assisted LP teaching. No formal learner evaluation data are reported. Limitations: no published validation, gel needle tracks and durability not quantified.
Materials
1.75 mm PLA on Prusa i3 MK3S; ballistics gel with dye (clear variant optional); silicone straws for CSF channel; child torso dress form as mold; gaffer tape, adapter, IV bag
Source
Patrick Leaf, Rachael Tena, Luke Sampson, et al., ALiEM (Academic Life in Emergency Medicine), 2020.
Summary by The POCUS Collective. Not affiliated with the authors or publisher.
https://www.aliem.com/idea-series-3d-printed-pediatric-lumbar-puncture-trainer/Where to get it
Original creators
Patrick Leaf
Rachael Tena
Luke Sampson
Heather Kuntz
Tim Young
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