Accessible medical phantoms for practical training.
Acousim is the medical division of Defensible Ballistics, providing ultrasound, X-ray and MRI-compatible phantom materials alongside reusable training models and solutions for creating custom medical phantoms.
Medical simulation materials built around flexibility.
Gaining practical experience in ultrasonography can be challenging due to the practical and ethical considerations surrounding the use of live models.
Acousim products provide an economical alternative for teaching institutions, medical trusts, veterinary schools and technical training organisations. Our materials can be used for ready-made training models or cast into custom designs for specific procedures, anatomy and imaging tasks.
Models can incorporate vessels, cavities, foreign bodies, reference targets and different material densities, giving trainers control over the characteristics of each phantom.
Repeatable practice without relying on live models.
Ballistic gel-based medical phantoms can provide a practical medium for simulating ultrasound scans and image-guided procedures. They can be configured to represent vessels, cavities, tissue layers and foreign objects.
- Low-cost training medium
- Easy to create and cast
- Highly customisable
- Variable echogenicity
- Reusable material options
- Clear ultrasound images
Ultrasound images produced using gel phantoms.
Different structures and materials can be embedded within a phantom to support a wide range of training exercises.
Liver parenchyma simulation
Example imaging produced using a customised gel phantom.
Vascular simulation
Tubing and channels can provide clearly defined vascular targets.
Bladder simulation
Fluid-filled inclusions can support aspiration and scanning practice.
Phantom Block
A reliable and repeatable synthetic medium for ultrasound imaging, procedural training, alignment checks and imaging system validation.
Calibrated medium
Manufactured using 10% Forensic density synthetic gel for consistent and predictable performance.
Embedded reference targets
Available with four precisely positioned 3.5 mm ceramic targets for alignment and accuracy exercises.
Multi-modality compatible
Suitable for ultrasound environments and manufactured using materials that are X-ray and MRI safe.
Durable and reusable
The synthetic formulation does not require refrigeration and resists dehydration during storage.
One repeatable platform for multiple training requirements.
Ultrasound education
Practical scanning and probe-handling exercises.
Procedure rehearsal
Targeting, aspiration and image-guided practice.
Probe alignment
Repeatable targets for accuracy and positioning checks.
System validation
Controlled media for imaging equipment assessments.
Custom research
Bespoke shapes, targets, densities and internal structures.
Create custom phantoms for your own training programme.
Our natural and synthetic materials can be cast around a range of inserts to reproduce the structures required for a specific exercise.
Common phantom inserts
- Silicone or latex tubing to simulate blood vessels and vascular pathways.
- Ball bearings and plastic fragments to represent foreign bodies or reference targets.
- Foam and alternative gel layers to reproduce tissue differentiation.
- Fluid-filled channels or containers for aspiration and cavity-imaging exercises.
- Synthetic gel inserts within natural gel models to create firmer structures.
Placement and casting guidance
Suspend lightweight targets with fine supports such as low-diameter fishing line while the phantom sets.
Use layered pours for complex anatomy or when positioning heavier targets within the body of the phantom.
A 10% density is generally recommended for normal ultrasound training and tissue simulation.
Firmer 20% gel can be used for denser inclusions or structures such as simulated tumours.
| Feature | Natural gel | Synthetic gel |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue realism | ||
| Reusable | No | Yes — can be remelted and recast |
| Temperature stability | Requires controlled refrigeration | Stable at normal room temperatures |
| Cast shelf life | Short unless treated with preservative | Long-term |
| Maintenance | Higher | Lower |
| Best suited to | Maximum realism, flexible densities and fluid-filled inserts | Repeat training, transport and durable teaching environments |
Materials for ready-made and custom medical models.
Natural Gel Powder
An economical and highly customisable option with realistic acoustic properties and excellent ultrasound transmission.
- Organic gelatine material
- Mix to the density required
- Suitable for fluid-filled inserts
- Biodegradable after use
Synthetic Gel Chippings
A durable material for repeat training. Melt, cast and recast the gel into custom shapes without requiring refrigeration.
- Reusable by remelting
- Good acoustic transmission
- Consistent material properties
- Suitable for mobile training
Synthetic Gel Skin Colour
A concentrated colourant for giving synthetic phantoms a skin-tone appearance without changing the intended gel density.
- Designed for synthetic gel
- Concentrated paste formulation
- Approximately 4 ml per kilogram
- Suitable for 10% and 20% gel
Need a model designed around a particular training exercise?
Tell us the intended imaging method, anatomy, target structures, required dimensions and training objective. We can advise on suitable materials and custom phantom construction.