Training model for microvascular anastomosis

A cadaver model was used for microvascular training as nonviable biologic model. Twenty-four fixed and 2 fresh adult cadavers were used for microvascular training. The radial artery, ulnar artery, and cephalic vein of the forearm were preferred. Respectively, end-to-end, end-to-side, and end-on-side microanastomosis techniques were performed.A cadaver model has several advantages over other training models. There are numberless vessels to perform different techniques for microvascular anastomoses. Several students can simultaneously work on the same cadaver at the same time. In addition, there is the opportunity of working on vessels of different sizes and diameters.The same conditions on the cadaver can be created before operation, and effective presurgical microvascular practice can be performed. A free-flap dissection can be easily performed to get experience before clinical operations. Furthermore, it may be combined with live animal models.