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Shaffrey EC, Zeng W, Nicksic PJ, Eftekari SC, Frank JM, Dingle AM, Poore SO. Latex-Infused Porcine Abdominal Model: A Novel Microsurgery Simulator for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Dissection. J Reconstr Microsurg 2024; 40:23-29. [PMID: 37023768 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perforator dissection and flap elevation are routinely performed for microsurgical reconstruction; however, there is a steep learning curve to mastering these technical skills. Though live porcine models have been utilized as a microsurgical training model, there are significant drawbacks that limit their use, including cost, limited ability for repetition, and obstacles associated with animal care. Here we describe the creation of a novel perforator dissection model using latex augmented non-living porcine abdominal walls. We provide anatomic measurements that demonstrate valuable similarities and differences to human anatomy to maximize microsurgical trainee practice. METHODS Six latex-infused porcine abdomens were dissected based on the deep cranial epigastric artery (DCEA). Dissection was centered over the abdominal wall mid-segment between the second and fourth nipple line. Dissection steps included exposure of lateral and medial row perforators, incision of anterior rectus sheath with perforator dissection, and dissection of DCEA pedicle. DCEA pedicle and perforator measurements were compared with deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) data in the literature. RESULTS An average of seven perforators were consistently identified within each flap. Assembly of the model was performed quickly and allowed for two training sessions per specimen. Porcine abdominal walls demonstrate similar DCEA pedicle (2.6 ± 0.21 mm) and perforator (1.0 ± 0.18 mm) size compared with a human's DIEA (2.7 ± 0.27 mm, 1.1 ± 0.85 mm). CONCLUSION The latex-infused porcine abdominal model is a novel, realistic simulation for perforator dissection practice for microsurgical trainees. Impact on resident comfort and confidence within a microsurgical training course is forthcoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C Shaffrey
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Weifeng Zeng
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Peter J Nicksic
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sahand C Eftekari
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jennifer M Frank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Aaron M Dingle
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Samuel O Poore
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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Gunderson KA, Zeng W, Nkana ZH, Matabele Wood KL, Lyon SM, Albano NJ, Poore SO. Blue-Blood Pig Thorax Model Increases Residents' Confidence in Internal Mammary Dissection. J Reconstr Microsurg 2023; 39:734-742. [PMID: 36931312 DOI: 10.1055/a-2057-0766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preparation of the recipient vessels is a crucial step in autologous breast reconstruction, with limited opportunity for resident training intraoperatively. The Blue-Blood-infused porcine chest wall-a cadaveric pig thorax embedded in a mannequin shell, connected to a saline perfusion system-is a novel, cost-effective ($55) simulator of internal mammary artery (IMA) dissection and anastomosis intended to improve resident's comfort, safety, and expertise with all steps of this procedure. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the use of this chest wall model on resident's confidence in performing dissection and anastomosis of the IMA, as well as obtain resident's and faculty's perspectives on model realism and utility. METHODS Plastic surgery residents and microsurgery faculty at the University of Wisconsin were invited to participate. One expert microsurgeon led individual training sessions and performed as the microsurgical assistant. Participants anonymously completed surveys prior to and immediately following their training session to assess their change in confidence performing the procedure, as well as their perception of model realism and utility as a formal microsurgical training tool on a five-point scale. RESULTS Every participant saw improvement in confidence after their training session in a minimum of one of seven key procedural steps identified. Of participants who had experience with this procedure in humans, the majority rated model anatomy and performance of key procedural steps as "very" or "extremely" realistic as compared with humans. 100% of participants believed practice with this model would improve residents' ability to perform this operation in the operating room and 100% of participants would recommend this model be incorporated into the microsurgical training curriculum. CONCLUSION The Blue-Blood porcine chest wall simulator increases trainee confidence in performing key steps of IMA dissection and anastomosis and is perceived as valuable to residents and faculty alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Gunderson
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Weifeng Zeng
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Zeeda H Nkana
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kasey Leigh Matabele Wood
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sarah M Lyon
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nicholas J Albano
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Samuel O Poore
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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Donnelly DT, Nicksic PJ, Zeng W, Dingle AM, Poore SO. Evaluation of a Full-Time Microsurgeon Educator on Resident Training, Research Collaboration, and Grant Funding. J Reconstr Microsurg 2023; 39:648-654. [PMID: 37040796 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1767678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The value of a fully trained microsurgeon dedicated to a laboratory setting at an academic institution is largely unknown. Microsurgery training lacks a national standard despite its highly complicated nature. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of a single laboratory-dedicated microsurgeon on the microsurgical training of integrated plastic surgery residents and collaborative efforts in research. METHOD We devised a three-faceted microsurgical training curriculum, including a collaborative multi-institutional microsurgery course, novel high-fidelity simulator models, and a dedicated microsurgeon. We cataloged grant funding achieved through support to other divisions' protocols. Time, in hours, spent on training and the number of anastomoses completed with the microsurgical educator in a laboratory setting over a 4-year period (2017-2021) were evaluated. Resident independence scores were collected from attending microsurgeons to quantify the translation of microsurgical training. RESULTS Purchasing and maintenance costs of rats in our rodent facility decreased by $16,533.60 as 198 rats were replaced by our models. The residents who participated in our novel microsurgical training program were able to independently perform anastomoses in the OR by their postgraduate year 6. Additionally, the surgical support offered by our laboratory-dedicated microsurgeon led to a total of $24,171,921 in grant funding between 2017 and 2020. CONCLUSION Hiring an expert microsurgical educator to train residents in a laboratory has proved promising in accelerating microsurgical mastery. Novel training modules, alternatives to animal models, save resources in housing and animal costs. The addition of a research-oriented-microsurgeon has improved collaborative efforts to advance a range of surgical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- D'Andrea T Donnelly
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Peter J Nicksic
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Weifeng Zeng
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Aaron M Dingle
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Samuel O Poore
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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Ziolkowski NI, Sun KZ, McMillan C, Ryzynski A, Snell L, Lipa JE. Simulating the IMA Recipient Site for DIEP Flap Surgery: A New Model for Dynamic Microsurgery Simulation with Real-Time Respiration and a Pilot Study. J Reconstr Microsurg 2022; 39:254-263. [PMID: 35477116 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast reconstruction (BR) using autologous free flaps has been shown to have numerous psychosocial and quality-of-life benefits. Unfortunately, the microsurgical learning curve is quite steep due to some unique operative challenges. Currently, there is no realistic simulation model that captures real-life respiratory excursion and the depth of internal mammary vessels within the compact recipient site. The purpose of this study was to delineate intraoperative measurements of depth and motion, describe the resulting simulation model, and conduct a pilot study evaluating the simulator as an educational resource. METHODS This is a single-center, ethics-approved study. For the intraoperative measurements, all consecutive patients undergoing free flap BR using internal mammary vessels as recipients were recruited. Patient and intraoperative factors as well as intraoperative measurements were recorded. A dynamic model was developed based on intraoperative parameters. For the pilot study, plastic and reconstructive surgery trainees were recruited to complete a hand-sewn internal mammary artery (IMA) anastomosis using the new simulator and completed objective questionnaires pre- and postsimulation. Subjective feedback was recorded and themes determined. RESULTS Fifteen operative sites were analyzed. Flap pocket was found to be between 4 and 5 cm in depth with vertical excursion of 3.7 ± 1.0mm and a respiratory rate of 9 to 14 breaths/minute. Previous radiation, rib space, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, tidal volume, and respiratory rate showed no correlation to vessel depth/excursion. Laterality, rib space, BMI, radiation, vitals, and tidal volume had no correlation with vessel movement. Twenty-two trainees were included in the pilot. An increase in confidence and mixed results for anxiety was reported. CONCLUSION This study reports a novel microsurgical simulation model that provides a realistic deep inferior epigastric perforator free flap BR IMA anastomosis experience. It replicates movement of vessels in situ with real-time respiratory excursion and similar physical structures of the internal mammary system. This model shows promising results for increased use in microsurgical education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Z Sun
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastics, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine McMillan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Agnes Ryzynski
- Sunnybrook Canadian Simulation Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Snell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joan E Lipa
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Navia A, Tejos R, Canahuate S, Machuca E, Searle S, Cuadra A, Dagnino B. MicrosimUC: Validation of a Low-Cost, Portable, Do-It-Yourself Microsurgery Training Kit. J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 38:409-419. [PMID: 34688217 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsurgery depends largely on simulated training to acquire skills. Courses offered worldwide are usually short and intensive and depend on a physical laboratory. Our objective was to develop and validate a portable, low-cost microsurgery training kit. METHODS We modified a miniature microscope. Twenty general surgery residents were selected and divided into two groups: (1) home-based training with the portable microscope (MicrosimUC, n = 10) and (2) the traditional validated microsurgery course at our laboratory (MicroLab, n = 10). Before the intervention, they were assessed making an end-to-end anastomosis in a chicken wing artery. Then, each member of the MicrosimUC group took a portable kit for remote skill training and completed an eight-session curriculum. The laboratory group was trained at the laboratory. After completion of training, they were all reassessed. Pre- and posttraining procedures were recorded and rated by two blind experts using time, basic, and specific scales. Wilcoxon's and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare scores. The model was tested by experts (n = 10) and a survey was applied to evaluate face and content validity. RESULTS MicrosimUC residents significantly improved their median performance scores after completion of training (p < 0.05), with no significant differences compared with the MicroLab group. The model was rated very useful for acquiring skills with 100% of experts considering it for training. Each kit had a cost of U.S. $92, excluding shipping expenses. CONCLUSION We developed a low-cost, portable microsurgical training kit and curriculum with significant acquisition of skills in a group of residents, comparable to a formal microsurgery course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Navia
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Surgery Division, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Tejos
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Surgery Division, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastian Canahuate
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Surgery Division, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Machuca
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Surgery Division, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Susana Searle
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Surgery Division, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alvaro Cuadra
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Surgery Division, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bruno Dagnino
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Surgery Division, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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MacKenzie EL, Poore SO. Reply: Slowing the Spread and Minimizing the Impact of COVID-19: Lessons from the Past and Recommendations for the Plastic Surgeon. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 147:1078e-9e. [PMID: 33961617 DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000007961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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