Abstract
Background Microsurgery is increasingly relevant, and is difficult to learn. Simulation is relied
upon ever more in microvascular training. While living models provide the ultimate
physiological feedback, we are ethically obliged to optimize non-living models to
replace, refine, and reduce the use of animals in training. There is currently no
three-layered synthetic vessel available for microsurgical training.
Methods A three-layered synthetic vessel was designed with a simulation company. One anastomosis
was performed by 14 microsurgical experts at one center. The realism of the vessel
was assessed via user questionnaires and the construct validity using objective, validated
task scores to assess the anastomosis performance and the final product. Videos were
obtained, which were anonymized and marked remotely by a consultant plastic surgeon.
Results The synthetic vessel intima and media displayed reasonable realism, while the adventitia
was less realistic. Areas for improvement were identified. Both the task specific
assessment score and the final product assessment appropriately identified experts.
Conclusion A three-layered synthetic model for microvascular training is a hygienic and useful
intermediate-level alternative to commonly used synthetic and ex vivo alternatives.
Keywords
simulation - microsurgery - training - revalidation - practice
