A non-living, effective model for microvascular training

Abstract Purpose: To introduce a nonliving microvascular training model based on vessels diameter and feasibility. Methods: We dissected ten oxen tongues, and divided the pedicles into three-thirds: proximal, middle and distal. We measured the external vessels diameter in all regions. We performed a descriptive statistical analysis. Three students (two beginner level and one intermediate level) performed this training. We evaluated the confidence, according Likert scale. Results: We dissected all oxen tongues, each tongue showed two parallel pedicles. Each pedicle was located at 1.5 - 2.0 cm from the midline. Proximal median artery and vein diameter were 3.9 ± 0.7, and 5.04 ± 1.44mm, respectively. In the middle third, the mean artery diameter was 3.3 ± 0.4mm, and the vein diameter was 3.5 ± 0.9mm. The distal third showed a mean artery diameter of 2.0 ± 0.42mm, and a vein diameter of 2.4 ± 0.82mm. The students performed ten anastomoses. This study showed a higher confidence level (CL) (p=0.03) than the pre training CL assessment. Conclusion: This study suggested a feasible non-animal model for microsurgical training process for beginners and intermediate trainees.

摘要 目的：介绍一种基于血管直径的无生命微血管训练模型及其可行性。方法：本研究解剖10例牛舌，将其血管蒂分为近、中、远三段，对所有区域的血管外径进行测量并开展描述性统计分析。招募3名学员（2名入门级、1名中级）参与本次训练，采用李克特量表（Likert scale）评估训练信心。结果：本研究完成全部牛舌解剖，每例牛舌均可见两条平行血管蒂，其距中线位置为1.5~2.0 cm。近段正中动脉与静脉直径分别为3.9±0.7 mm与5.04±1.44 mm；中段动脉平均直径为3.3±0.4 mm，静脉平均直径为3.5±0.9 mm；远段动脉平均直径为2.0±0.42 mm，静脉平均直径为2.4±0.82 mm。学员共完成10例血管吻合术。本研究显示，训练后学员的信心水平较训练前显著提升（P=0.03）。结论：本研究表明，该非动物模型可用于入门及中级学员的显微外科训练，具备可行性。