Dye-Perfused Human Placenta for Simulation in a Microsurgery Laboratory for Plastic Surgeons
Laura C Zambrano-Jerez1, Karen D Díaz-Santamaría1, María A Rodríguez-Santos1
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Hospital Universitario de Santander, Santander, Colombia.
Archives of Plastic Surgery
|December 25, 2023
Summary
The human placenta provides a realistic, dynamic flow simulator for microsurgery training, offering a viable alternative to animal models. This model enhances surgical skills and reduces patient errors in microvascular repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Simulation
- Anatomical Modeling
Background:
- Microsurgical training traditionally relies on animal models or cadavers.
- Developing realistic, accessible simulation models is crucial for enhancing surgical skills.
- The human placenta offers a complex vascular network suitable for microvascular simulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a dynamic flow simulator using the human placenta for microsurgical training.
- To assess the anatomical characteristics of placental vasculature for simulation purposes.
- To evaluate the perceived realism and training utility of the placental model among surgical trainees and specialists.
Main Methods:
- Morphological characterization and vascular measurements of 18 human placentas.
- Development of a step-by-step procedure for creating dynamic flow placental simulators.
- Post-training survey administered to plastic surgery residents and microsurgeons.
Main Results:
- Placental venous and arterial diameters measured (min. 0.8mm and 0.6mm, respectively).
- Majority of participants found the model realistic, with similar vessel consistency and dissection to in vivo tissue.
- All participants believed the model would improve surgical technique and recommended it for training.
Conclusions:
- The color-perfused placenta is an effective tool for microsurgical training in plastic surgery.
- The model accurately replicates microsurgical scenarios with diverse vasculature.
- This simulation enhances technical proficiency and potentially reduces patient errors.
