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Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training
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A simple, novel technique to create silicone vessels for microsurgical training
Joyce Lin Tie1, Hui Chin Michelle Neo2, Yoke-Rung Wong3
1Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Journal of Hand and Microsurgery
|September 5, 2024
Summary
Self-made silicone vessels offer a practical, hygienic, and cost-effective alternative for microsurgical simulation training. While less realistic than biological models, their ease of use and availability make them a preferred choice for frequent practice among trainees and surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Simulation
- Medical Education
Background:
- Effective microsurgical training requires extensive practice.
- Conventional biological models present challenges including hygiene risks, regulatory hurdles, and storage difficulties.
- Novel simulation models are needed to overcome these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate surgeon and medical student preferences for self-made silicone simulation vessels compared to standard biological models.
- To assess the suitability of silicone vessels as a training adjunct.
Main Methods:
- A jig was designed to create silicone vessels with a 1 mm inner diameter using liquid silicone (Ecoflex 00-30).
- Ten microsurgeons and 20 medical students evaluated the silicone vessels against biological models (chicken brachial artery or aorta).
- Participants completed a 10-point Likert scale survey on model preference for frequent practice.
Main Results:
- Realism was paramount for all participants.
- Surgeons prioritized hygiene, availability, and ease of setup/storage; students focused on cost-effectiveness.
- Biological models were perceived as more realistic but less hygienic and harder to manage.
- Silicone models were favored for hygiene, availability, cost, and simplicity, despite lower realism.
Conclusions:
- Silicone vessels are a preferred model for frequent microsurgical practice due to practical advantages.
- These models can complement biological training, enabling practice outside traditional settings.
- Silicone vessels offer a viable, accessible solution for enhancing microsurgical skills development.
