Validating a Low-Fidelity Model for Microsurgical Anastomosis Training.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Training and Simulation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Education Technology

Background:

• Microsurgical skills require extensive practice.
• Existing training models can be costly and inaccessible.
• A need exists for affordable, high-fidelity microsurgery simulation tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel, low-cost microsurgery anastomosis training model.
• To assess the face and construct validity of this combined model.
• To provide an accessible tool for mastering essential microsurgical techniques.

Main Methods:

• A low-fidelity model was created using cannulated Konnyaku Shirataki (KS) noodles and an industrial inspection, trinocular stereo (IITS) microscope.
• Fifteen participants (microsurgeons, experienced trainees, novices) performed KS noodle anastomoses.
• Performance was evaluated through technical scores and time-to-anastomosis, with face validity assessed via a surgeon survey.

Main Results:

• Microsurgeons rated the IITS microscope and combined model highly for educational value and OR similarity.
• A significant association was found between higher training levels and improved technical scores (p=0.002).
• Increased experience correlated with reduced time-to-anastomosis (p=0.003), indicating construct validity.

Conclusions:

• The KS noodle and IITS microscope model is an inexpensive, accessible, and effective tool for microsurgical training.
• The model demonstrated face validity, with surgeons finding it representative of OR procedures.
• Construct validity was established, showing a clear correlation between performance and training level.