Experimental model standardizing polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel to simulate endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound-elastography.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic ultrasound elastography (EUS-E) simulation lessens the learning curve; however, models lack realism, diminishing competitiveness.

Aim: To standardize the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel for simulating organs and digestive lesions.

Methods: PVA hydrogel (Sigma Aldrich, degree of hydrolysis 99%) for simulating EUS/EUS-E lesions was investigated in Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico at Hospital General de México "Dr.