An ultrasound simulator to train radiologists and technologists to locate
and recognize patent and fused cranial sutures. The model is formed, for
example, using specially fabricated heads or from life-sized plastic doll
heads. Simulated suture lines are cut in the heads in anatomically
correct positions. The typical end-to-end morphology of the sagittal and
metopic sutures and the typical beveled appearance of the paired coronal
and lambdoid sutures are created by angling the cutting blade. The
hypoechoic appearance of patent sutures in ultrasound images is simulated
by filling the gaps that were formed by cutting with a hypoechoic
material. Fused echoic sutures are simulated by leaving that portion of
the doll's head uncut, or by filling the openings with an echoic
material. When imaged using ultrasound, the portions cut and filled with
a hypoechoic material are readily distinguishable from uncut portions,
and from portions cut and filled with an echoic material.