Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026
04:19
The Establishment of a Murine Mandibular Molar Extraction Socket Healing Model
Published on: January 13, 2023
5.3K
Ex-vivo surgical model for "Barbed Snore Surgery": a feasibility study
Vittorio Rinaldi1, Andrea Costantino2, Antonio Moffa3
1Integrated Sleep Surgery Team, Unit of Integrated Therapies in Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Summary
An ex-vivo ovine model offers a low-cost, effective surgical training tool for Barbed Snore Surgery (BSS) in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This model replicates human tissue consistency and anatomy, facilitating widespread adoption of the BSS technique.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Medical Education
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Barbed Snore Surgery (BSS) is a recent advancement in palatal surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
- A cost-effective surgical model is crucial for disseminating BSS techniques.
- This study evaluates an ex-vivo ovine model for BSS surgical training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using an ex-vivo ovine model for Barbed Snore Surgery training.
- To determine if the ovine model adequately replicates human palatal anatomy and tissue characteristics.
- To evaluate the suitability of the model for surgical simulation.
Main Methods:
- Adult lamb heads were prepared for simulation.
- A novice surgeon performed two BSS procedures (Barbed Roman Blinds Technique and Barbed Anterior Pharyngoplasty) under expert guidance.
- Anatomical limitations and tissue similarity to human tissue were assessed.
Main Results:
- All simulated BSS procedures were successfully completed.
- Ovine palatal tissue demonstrated comparable consistency and thickness to human tissue.
- The surgical simulation was deemed satisfactory and suitable for training.
Conclusions:
- The ex-vivo ovine model is a viable and cost-effective option for Barbed Snore Surgery training.
- The model provides realistic anatomical structures and tissue properties essential for effective surgical simulation.
- This training model can aid in the broader implementation of BSS for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
