TissueDB/Materials/Ballistic Gel
License: CC-BY-SA-3.0 by Nathan Boor, Kurt Groover, Aimed Research
Ballistic gel (ballistic gelatin) is a standardised gelatin formulation used in medical simulation to create durable, optically clear tissue phantoms for ultrasound-guided procedures, needle insertion training, and trauma response.[1] Available in 10% (FBI standard) and 20% (NATO standard) concentrations, it provides reproducible mechanical properties, self-healing capability, and optical clarity that allows direct visualisation of needle paths and embedded structures.
Tissues
| Tissue | Visual | Tactile | Simulator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Tissue | Ultrasound-guided nerve block phantoms[1] | 10% concentration at 4°C. Optical clarity allows direct needle placement verification without imaging. | ||
| Subcutaneous Tissue | Sonographic ballistic gelatin phantoms[2] | Custom silicone moulds create anatomically accurate ballistics gelatin phantoms accepting embedded vessels and structures. | ||
| Muscle | Ventricular catheter placement trainer[3] | 20% concentration approximates muscle density. Cost under $5 per unit. | ||
| Soft Tissue (vascular) | ECMO cannulation training model[4] | Synthetic ballistic gel (Clear Ballistics) is room-temperature stable for percutaneous cannulation training. |
Troubleshooting
| Do Not Do This | Do This Instead | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Use ballistic gel above calibration temperature | Maintain at 4°C for standardised properties; use promptly after removal from refrigeration | Warm gel softens and provides unrealistic low resistance, teaching incorrect force calibration |
| Expect ballistic gel to hold sutures | Use silicone or layered fabric materials for suture training | Ballistic gel does not hold sutures adequately; practising on it teaches incorrect suture tension and technique |
| Reuse blocks with extensive damage without recasting | Remelt and recast damaged blocks to restore properties | Accumulated wound channels alter mechanical properties and create unrealistic needle paths |
| Use traditional ballistic gel when refrigeration is unavailable | Use synthetic alternatives (Clear Ballistics, Perma-Gel) or switch to agar | Traditional gelatin-based ballistic gel requires strict cold chain; without it, mechanical properties drift |
Alternatives
| Alternative | Best For | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | General simulation where calibration is not critical | Lower cost, locally available; not standardised, same cold chain requirement |
| Agar | Resource-limited settings, culturally-inclusive programmes | No refrigeration needed, halal/kosher compatible; brittle, no self-healing, not optically clear |
| PVA Cryogel | Long-term phantoms, elastography training | Room temperature stable, durable; not optically clear, requires freezer for fabrication |
| Silicone | Permanent installations, high-volume training | Durable, no temperature concerns; high cost, not optically clear, not self-healing |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Marsh-Armstrong B, et al. "Building Affordable, Durable, Medium-fidelity Ballistic Gel Phantoms for Ultrasound-guided Nerve Block Training." J Vis Exp. 2024. doi:10.3791/66194
- ↑ Frederick J, Stolz L. "Molding the Future: A Novel Method for Developing Custom Silicone Molds for the Creation of Sonographic Ballistics Gelatin Phantoms." J Emerg Med. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2025.08.040
- ↑ Todnem N, et al. "A simple and cost-effective model for ventricular catheter placement training: technical note." J Neurosurg. 2020. doi:10.3171/2020.2.JNS19161
- ↑ Palmer D, Aspenleiter M, da Silva J, da Silva L, Medina-Castro M, Grayson M, Morell V, Palmer A, Sharma M, Stebler J, Viegas M (2021). "A High-Fidelity Percutaneous Model Used to Demonstrate ECMO Cannulation." J Extra Corpor Technol 53(3):208–213. PMID: 34658414. Free full text: PMC8499641. DOI 10.1182/ject-2100009 is the publisher's own and is not registered, so it does not resolve.