Perforator Dissection Simulation: A High-Fidelity Five-Flap Porcine Training Model

Perforator dissection can be technically demanding with a steep learning curve. Inadvertent perforator damage during dissection can be minimized with practice and familiarity with tissue-handling techniques unique to perforator dissection. There currently lacks a simulation model that mimics the human perforator in size and course. We present a porcine training model with five consistent perforator flaps per side that can be readily harvested and is a reproducible simulation model.

Five fresh cadaveric pigs were used in this study to evaluate the feasibility and location of the perforators. Ten perforators were dissected out in each pig (five per side) by the same surgeon. The length of perforator was measured and intramuscular route was noted. The ease of dissection was graded, and its similarity to actual surgery was graded as well.

Five consistent perforators were identified across each side of five fresh cadaveric pigs. The perforators were located, namely in the neck, anterior flank, posterior flank, rectus and hindlimb. They were fasciocutaneous and had an intramuscular course of each (average 2.5 cm length). The perforators were found to be on each side of the pig, giving ten perforators for dissection practice in total.

The five perforators named in this porcine model are easily replicated and can be performed for perforator dissection simulation and practice.