Dorsal Penile Vein as a New Training Model for Microvenous Anastomosis in Rats

Abstract

The authors present a new model for microsurgical training of venous anastomosis-namely, the dorsal penile vein of the rat. In 12 male Wistar rats weighing 220 to 290 g, the anatomy of the dorsal penile vein was studied by dissection and histology. Anatomic dissection studies revealed that the dorsal penile vein has an average diameter of 1.4 mm (range, 1.2-1.6 mm) without tendency to collapse. The vein could be dissected for an average segment of 25 mm without any branches, allowing easy dissection and approximator clamp placement. Comparison of its cross-section with that of the femoral vein histologically by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed a larger diameter and much thicker vessel wall with a prominent tunica media and adventitia. Based on the findings of the anatomic study, the dorsal penile vein anastomotic model was created in the rat. In 20 animals, the vein was divided sharply in its midsection and was anastomosed end-to-end using standard microsurgical technique. Results indicated a 100% patency rate immediately after the anastomosis and a 90% patency rate (18 of 20) 1 week after the procedure. This model offers the advantages of easy dissection without ligation of any side branches and a thick vessel wall without a tendency to collapse. Moreover, a major limb vein is not sacrificed. It is concluded that this new model may better simulate the clinical procedure of microvenous anastomosis because it presents similarities to human veins.

Rat Tail Revascularization Model for Advanced Microsurgery Training and Research

“…The femoral vessels, carotid vessels, and aortas in rats have been widely used for microsurgical training because of appropriate vessel size and easy dissection. 17,18 Recently, the dorsal penile vein 19 and external jugular vein 20 in rats were emphasized in some studies as microvenous anastomosis models for microsurgical training. However, the large vessels cannot simulate the conditions of digital replantation or supermicrosurgery.…”

New Microvenous Anastomosis Model for Microsurgical Training: External Jugular Vein

“…The femoral and dorsal penile veins were dissected, as described in previous reports. 1,5 The specimens were placed in 10 percent buffered formalin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and smooth muscle actin (SMA) stains. The wall dimensions measured included the intima-media thickness of the vessels from the histologic sections.…”

“…The dorsal penile vein which was described as an alternative for a microvenous anastomosis model has the natural disadvantage of being performed only in male rats. 5 The external jugular is not recently emphasized in any studies as a microvenous anastomosis model for microsurgery training. 1,[6][7][8] We designed a study to demonstrate that the external jugular vein of the rat is an alternative training microvenous model and simulates human free flap veins better than previously suggested.…”

Microsurgical training in a rat model: an approach and concept for gynecological surgeons

“…Other suggested training models are the external jugular vein 5 or the dorsal penile vein 6 . However, the anatomical conditions of these sites are not favourable for preparation by beginners.…”