A Reusable Perfused Human Cadaver Model for Surgical Training: An Initial Proof of Concept Study

Today's surgical trainees have less exposure to open vascular and trauma procedures. Lightly embalmed cadavers may allow a reusable model that maximizes resources and allows for repeat surgical training over time.

This was a three-phased study that was conducted over several months. Segments of soft-embalmed cadaver vessels were harvested and perfused with tap water. To test durability, vessels were clamped, then an incision was made and repaired with 5-0 polypropylene. Tolerance to suturing and clamping was graded. In a second phase, both an arterial-synthetic graft and an arterial-venous anastomosis were performed and tested at 90 mmHg perfusion. In the final phase, lower extremity regional perfusion was performed and vascular control of a simulated injury was achieved.

Seven arteries and six veins from four cadavers were explanted. All vessels accommodated suture repair over 6 weeks. There was minor leaking at all previous clamp sites. In the anastomotic phase, vessels tolerated grafting, clamping, and perfusion without tearing or leaking. Regional perfusion provided a life-like training scenario.

Explanted vessels of soft-embalmed cadavers show adequate durability over time with realistic vascular surgery handling characteristics. This shows promise as initial proof of concept for a reusable perfused cadaver model. Further study with serial regional and whole-body perfusion is warranted.