Microsurgical cerebral aneurysm training porcine model

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Education

Background:

• Intracranial aneurysms pose significant surgical challenges.
• Effective training models are crucial for developing neurosurgical skills.
• Existing models may not fully replicate the complexities of aneurysm dissection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, reproducible in vivo model for intracranial aneurysm creation.
• To simulate arachnoid-like layers for realistic microsurgical dissection training.
• To provide a versatile platform for practicing aneurysm clipping and reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A technique for bifurcation aneurysm creation in swine was developed using arterial and venous grafts.
• Sulfuric acid was applied to induce controlled fragility in aneurysm domes.
• Contact glue was used to mimic arachnoid connections, enabling realistic dissection.
• Microsurgical techniques were practiced on created aneurysms.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two aneurysms were successfully created in ten swine.
• The model allowed for diverse aneurysm clipping and reconstruction practice.
• Controlled ruptures and thrombosed models were observed, adding to training realism.
• No intraoperative deaths occurred, and all aneurysms were acceptably clipped.

Conclusions:

• This novel bifurcation aneurysm model offers a reproducible and realistic training system.
• The model effectively simulates intracranial dissection conditions for neurosurgeons.
• It is suitable for training both neurosurgeons and neurovascular interventionists.