A novel supermicrosurgery training model: the chicken thigh

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Training Models
• Supermicrosurgery

Background:

• Supermicrosurgery demands advanced technical skills beyond standard microsurgery.
• Current biologic training models for supermicrosurgery utilize live rats, posing accessibility and cost challenges.
• A nonliving, biologically relevant training model is needed for efficient and economical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, accessible, and cost-effective biologic training model for supermicrosurgery.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using chicken thighs for supermicrosurgical skills development.
• To demonstrate the anatomical consistency and vessel suitability of chicken thighs for supermicrosurgery training.

Main Methods:

• The ischiatic neurovascular bundle was dissected in 20 chicken thighs.
• Vessel diameters of the artery, vein, and branches were measured.
• Supermicrosurgical anastomoses were attempted on vessels in the 0.3-0.8 mm diameter range.

Main Results:

• The ischiatic artery and vein exhibited consistent branching patterns with secondary and tertiary branches measuring 0.3-0.8 mm.
• Vessels of at least 0.3 mm were identified in all specimens, sometimes requiring intramuscular dissection.
• Successful supermicrosurgical anastomoses were achieved using these chicken thigh vessels.

Conclusions:

• Chicken thighs provide a convenient, economical, and anatomically consistent model for supermicrosurgery training.
• The vascular structures in chicken thighs are suitable for practicing supermicrosurgical techniques.
• This nonliving biologic model offers a valuable resource for surgeons to refine supermicrosurgical skills.