Latex balloons: an alternative, low-cost model for vascular anastomosis training in medical education

Abstract Simulators are increasingly being used in medical education, but accessibility is restricted by their elevated cost. A accessible and low-cost model was developed for teaching and learning vascular sutures and anastomoses at a Basic Surgical Techniques Laboratory. Latex balloons of varying colors, polypropylene 6.0 sutures, and other materials specifically for suturing (needle holder and forceps) were used. The balloons were fixed to screws inserted into wooden boards in order to facilitate repairs. E end-to-end, end-to-side, and side-to-side anastomoses and patching were performed. Anastomosis patency was tested by injecting water into one extremity of the balloon and observing the liquid exit via the opposite extremity. The advantages observed with this training model for anastomoses were malleability, resistance to passage of the suture, and the fact that it is inorganic. Latex balloons are an inexpensive option that are non‑perishable and offer prolonged use for teaching and practice of arterial sutures and anastomoses.

摘要 模拟装置在医学教育中的应用日益广泛，但其高昂的成本限制了其可及性。本研究于基础外科技术实验室中开发了一款易于获取且低成本的模型，用于血管缝合与吻合术的教学实践。该模型采用多种颜色的乳胶气球（latex balloons）、6-0聚丙烯缝线（polypropylene 6.0 sutures）及其他专用缝合耗材（持针器与组织镊）制作，将乳胶气球固定于嵌入木板的螺钉上以方便操作练习。本模型可完成端-端、端-侧及侧-侧吻合术与血管补片修补术。通过向气球的一端注入清水，并观察液体从另一端流出的情况，可测试吻合口的通畅性。该吻合术训练模型的优势在于其可塑性佳、缝线穿刺阻力适宜且为非生物材质。乳胶气球成本低廉、不易损耗，可长期用于动脉缝合与吻合术的教学与练习。