Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
07:57
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Simulation of plastic surgery and microvascular procedures using perfused fresh human cadavers
Joseph N Carey1, Elizabeth Rommer1, Clifford Sheckter1
1Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS
|October 8, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a perfused fresh tissue model for surgical simulation, enhancing realism for microsurgery training. This high-fidelity approach improves surgical skills and offers a valuable resource for plastic surgery education.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Simulation
- Medical Education
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Current surgical simulation models lack fidelity, limiting their effectiveness in training surgeons.
- Fresh cadaveric tissue offers superior simulation fidelity due to its resemblance to live tissue.
- Perfusion is a key difference between cadaveric and live tissue, impacting simulation realism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a perfused cadaveric model to enhance surgical simulation fidelity.
- To improve the realism of surgical training, particularly for microsurgery.
- To create a life-like surgical simulation environment for plastic surgery education.
Main Methods:
- Fresh human cadavers were procured and underwent perfusion via cannulation of major vessels.
- Arterial and venous pressure was maintained using centrifugal circulation.
- Perfusion was assessed using indocyanine green angiography and simulated surgical procedures were performed.
Main Results:
- The study involved 38 surgical simulations, from simple excisions to complex microsurgical cases.
- Effective perfusion was confirmed by indocyanine green angiography, with visible bleeding from vessels.
- Successful microsurgical flap transfer and dissection of various flap types were achieved.
Conclusions:
- A high-fidelity surgical simulation model using perfused fresh tissue in a realistic operating room environment has been established.
- This model is anticipated to enhance surgical proficiency before operating room entry.
- The perfused cadaveric model represents a valuable resource for advancing plastic surgical education.
