The Chicken Aorta as a Simulation-Training Model for Microvascular Surgery Training

Abstract

As a technically demanding skill, microsurgery is taught in the lab, in the form of a course of variable length (depending on the centre). Microsurgical training courses usually use a mixture of non-living and live animal simulation models. In the literature, a plethora of microsurgical training models have been described, ranging from low to high fidelity models. Given the high costs associated with live animal models, cheaper alternatives are coming into vogue. In this paper we describe the use of the chicken aorta as a simple and cost effective low fidelity microsurgical simulation model for training.

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.…”

Simulation learning in plastic surgery

“…Both the anatomical and physiological components of the procedure must be simulated. Non-living animal models examples include the rat aorta or chicken thigh model in microvascular anastomosis ( Figure 77.10a,b), 58,59 and the use of fresh cadaveric sheep cranium to simulate craniosynostosis surgery. 60 The use of synthetic models has already contributed to reducing the number of live animal models needed to attain a particular skills threshold during training.…”

Konsensus der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der peripheren Nerven und Gefäße (DAM) für Mindeststandards mikrochirurgischer Trainings- und Übungskurse zur Vergabe eines Qualitätssiegels

“…gen der Anforderung zu ermöglichen [12][13][14]. Sie basieren auf der Verwendung verschiedener artifizieller, avitaler und vitaler Modelle, die je nach Schwierigkeitsgrad verschiedene Lumina und einen unterschiedlichen Anspruch an die Gewebedissektion beinhalten [15][16][17].…”