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Rat posterior facial vein interpositional graft: a more relevant training model
Nicolas Lee1, Roger A Daley, Brian C Cooley
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
Microsurgery
|May 23, 2014
Summary
The rat posterior facial vein offers a superior microvascular training model for vein grafting compared to the epigastric vein. This model presents unique challenges relevant to clinical reconstructive microsurgery.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery
- Vascular Surgery Training
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Current microvascular training models for vein grafting often utilize the rat epigastric vein.
- This model has limitations in mimicking the diametric and tissue characteristics of clinical vein grafts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the rat posterior facial vein as a novel and improved alternative for microvascular vein grafting training.
- To assess the suitability of this new model for simulating clinical reconstructive microsurgery challenges.
Main Methods:
- A series of 24 rat posterior facial vein grafts were interpositioned into the femoral artery.
- End-to-end anastomosis was performed using 11-12 sutures.
- Graft patency was assessed at various time points.
Main Results:
- Early patency rates of 96% were achieved at 20 minutes.
- Patency remained high at 92% at both 2 and 4 weeks post-operation.
- The model demonstrated a significant diametric disparity (at least 2:1) and tougher connective tissue compared to the femoral artery.
Conclusions:
- The rat posterior facial vein serves as a valuable and clinically relevant training model for microvascular vein grafting.
- Its diametric mismatch and tissue properties present unique challenges that enhance surgical skill development for reconstructive microsurgery.
