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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 2

Category: Education/Simulation

Poster Session 2

(628) Potassium Chloride Injection Training and Impacts on Procedural Characteristics

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM  
Objective:
Ultrasound-guided potassium chloride (KCl) injections to induce fetal asystole is a procedure typically performed by Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) physicians, requiring specialized training. Data outlining procedural characteristics and necessary curricular components for competence are limited. This study’s objective was to describe the procedural characteristics of KCl injections by post-graduate year (PGY) among MFM fellows.

Study Design:
This descriptive retrospective study included individuals undergoing pregnancy termination at ≥ 22 weeks at Oregon Health & Science University between June 1, 2021–June 1, 2023. Maternal, fetal, and procedural variables were abstracted from electronic medical records. Procedural variables included duration (with prolonged procedure defined as >10 minutes), number of attempts, KCl dose, anesthetic use, needle gauge, and trainee involvement. We described procedure characteristics, overall and by fellowship year, and compared fellowship years.

Results:
Of 99 procedures analyzed, 65 (65.7%) involved fellows. Procedures by PGY level were distributed as follows: 19 (PGY5), 33 (PGY6), and 13 (PGY7). The following trends were noted. Fetal anomalies were present in 36.8% of PGY5 procedures, increasing to 63.6% for PGY6 and 61.5% for PGY7. Median estimated fetal weight was 679g (PGY5), increasing to 785g (PGY6) and 730g (PGY7). Median (range) procedure time was similar among groups at 11 (3–41) minutes; procedures were prolonged in 47.4% of PGY5, 54.6% of PGY6, and 46.2% of PGY7 cases. Multiple procedure attempts occurred in approximately 21% of cases for PGY5 and PGY6, decreasing to 15.4% for PGY7. Remaining results in Table 1 & 2.

Conclusion:
The observed trends suggest that higher rates of prolonged procedures and repeat attempts for PGY6 cases likely reflect increased exposure to complex cases with advancing experience. The reduction in procedure duration and attempts by PGY7 may indicate growing proficiency, reinforcing the value of structured longitudinal training and graduated supervision for procedural competence.