Microsurgical Training with Porcine Thigh Infusion Model

Abstract

We herein present our experience with microsurgical training using a porcine thigh infusion model, which resembles living animal models. The main femoral artery was cannulated with a 24G angioneedle and fixed with 4-0 black silk sutures. Microanastomoses were performed on the femoral vessels of porcine thighs using end-to-end and end-to-side techniques. During the microanastomoses, dyed 0.9% isotonic sodium chloride was infused at 200 to 850 mL/min using an infusion pump. No anastomosis site leakage was observed and the patency of the anastomosis site was maintained. We consider the porcine thigh infusion model to be appropriate for the beginner trainee because the large vessel size enables him or her to practice. In addition, our model provides a circulation environment similar to the in vivo human environment. We believe that our model is more convenient than living animal models and more accurate than models that do not provide a circulation environment.

Anastomosis Lapse Index (ALI): A Validated End Product Assessment Tool for Simulation Microsurgery Training

“…other models have been developed and may be soon introduced. [19][20][21] The aim of this study was to devise and validate a nonliving microsurgery tool that can be used to evaluate and quantify skill levels in the early stages of microsurgery training for the purpose of formative and summative assessment. For this purpose, we used a cryoprotected rat aorta model as it represents an example of popular nonliving vessels models commonly used in basic microsurgery courses.…”

Analysis of 10-Year Training Results of Medical Students Using the Microvascular Research Center Training Program

“…Recently, various reports have been published on microsurgery training. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] We believe that the following elements are necessary for an effective medical training model: the training must arouse trainees' interest; and it must improve trainees' motivation. Next, trainees can obtain appropriate training before performing the operation on a human.…”

A Novel Approach Using a Silicone Tube to Assist Microsurgical Anastomosis Training in Animal Models

“…Non-living biomodels such as the chicken leg or porcine thigh serve to bridge the progression to models that provide a more realistic simulation of living human vessels [2,3]. However, the discrepancies in vessel caliber and wall thickness between these models and the most commonly used microsurgery training model, the live rat, still render the transition challenging for trainees.…”