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Low cost and easy acquisition: corn grain in microsurgery training
Manuela Rodrigues Neiva Fernandes1, Daniela Ferreira Tramontin1, Antônio Leonardo Jatahi Cavalcanti Pimentel1
1- Universidade do Estado do Pará, Laboratório de Cirurgia Experimental - Belém - PA - Brasil.
Revista Do Colegio Brasileiro De Cirurgioes
|January 11, 2023
Summary
This study presents a low-cost microsurgery training model using corn kernels. The accessible corn kernel model effectively trains essential motor skills for surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Biomaterials in Medicine
- Microsurgical Techniques
Background:
- Microsurgery requires extensive practice for developing fine motor skills.
- Existing training models can be expensive or inaccessible.
- There is a need for cost-effective and readily available simulation tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an easily accessible and low-cost training model for initial microsurgery motor practice.
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using corn kernels for microsurgical suture training.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ten corn kernels (Zea mays) with a 7mm longitudinal incision.
- Trained participants to perform four simple knots using 10-0 mononylon thread.
- Analyzed model cost, assembly time, knot-tying duration, and knot spacing.
Main Results:
- Successful microsurgical suture training was achieved on all tested corn kernels.
- The average time to perform four knots was 6.51 minutes.
- The total cost of the simulator model was R$3.59, significantly lower than conventional methods.
Conclusions:
- The developed corn kernel model is a viable, low-cost, and accessible option for training basic microsurgical manual skills.
- This model offers an economical alternative for surgical skill acquisition.
