Biplane vs. Standard Ultrasound for Vascular Access: A Performance Assessment in Novice Medical Students
Poster #: 015
Session/Time: B
Author:
Hannah Call, BS
Mentor:
Barry Knapp, MD
Research Type: Educational
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Background Venipuncture and intravenous (IV) line insertion are essential procedural skills that medical students must master prior to residency. Ultrasound guidance has been shown to reduce failure rates and complications associated with IV placement. Biplane ultrasound, a recent advancement, provides simultaneous longitudinal and transverse views. Its potential benefit for novice users remains unclear.
METHODS:
First-year medical students participated in a brief training session, followed by a crossover-controlled assessment during their ultrasound lab. Participants attempted IV placement using both biplane and single-plane ultrasound imaging. Primary outcomes included overall success rate, time to successful cannulation, and incidence of back-wall puncture. Student preferences were assessed with a post-session questionnaire.
RESULTS:
There were no statistically significant differences in overall success rates, time to successful cannulation, or incidence of back-wall puncture between the biplane and single-plane modalities. Despite the lack of measurable performance differences, students expressed a strong preference for biplane imaging on the follow-up questionnaire.
CONCLUSION:
Biplane ultrasound did not improve overall success rates for vascular access among novice users compared with single-plane imaging. However, students strongly favored biplane imaging, suggesting possible subjective or ergonomic advantages. Further research is warranted to explore the potential clinical utility of biplane ultrasound in vascular access.
Background Venipuncture and intravenous (IV) line insertion are essential procedural skills that medical students must master prior to residency. Ultrasound guidance has been shown to reduce failure rates and complications associated with IV placement. Biplane ultrasound, a recent advancement, provides simultaneous longitudinal and transverse views. Its potential benefit for novice users remains unclear.
METHODS:
First-year medical students participated in a brief training session, followed by a crossover-controlled assessment during their ultrasound lab. Participants attempted IV placement using both biplane and single-plane ultrasound imaging. Primary outcomes included overall success rate, time to successful cannulation, and incidence of back-wall puncture. Student preferences were assessed with a post-session questionnaire.
RESULTS:
There were no statistically significant differences in overall success rates, time to successful cannulation, or incidence of back-wall puncture between the biplane and single-plane modalities. Despite the lack of measurable performance differences, students expressed a strong preference for biplane imaging on the follow-up questionnaire.
CONCLUSION:
Biplane ultrasound did not improve overall success rates for vascular access among novice users compared with single-plane imaging. However, students strongly favored biplane imaging, suggesting possible subjective or ergonomic advantages. Further research is warranted to explore the potential clinical utility of biplane ultrasound in vascular access.