▼This page is a material entry for the SELF Tissue Database.
It documents the tissue applications, practical guidance, and related simulators for this material to support low-cost, reproducible surgical simulator development.
Ballistic gelatin block showing wound channel from projectile impact.
Ballistic gelatin block showing wound channel from projectile impact, demonstrating optical clarity and tissue-mimicking properties.
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 ThisDo This InsteadWhy
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. 1 2 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
  2. ↑ 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
  3. ↑ 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
  4. ↑ 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.
    Page data
    Keywords ballistic gel, ballistic gelatin, ultrasound phantom, tissue phantom, nerve block training, ECMO cannulation, medical simulation, FBI gel, NATO gel
    Authors Arturopelayo
    License CC-BY-SA-4.0
    Language English (en)
    Related 0 subpages, 3 pages link here
    Redirects TissueDB/Materials/Ballistics Gelatin
    Views 40 page views (analytics)
    Created February 4, 2026 by Arturo Pelayo
    Last edit August 10, 2026 by Arturo Pelayo
    Cite as Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Materials/Ballistic Gel". Appropedia. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
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