A "Noodle and Thread": A Low-Fidelity Simulation of Blood Vessel Ligation Using Common Household Items

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Surgical simulation is crucial for training, but the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for accessible alternatives, particularly in resource-limited areas.
• Mastering surgical knot tying without excessive traction is a fundamental skill for trainees, essential for procedures like vessel ligation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an accessible and low-cost simulation model for practicing surgical knot tying and blood vessel ligation.
• To provide an alternative training method that addresses the limitations exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A novel simulation model was created using common household materials: noodles, adhesive tape, and thread.
• The model was designed to replicate the mechanics of blood vessel ligation and surgical knot tying.

Main Results:

• The developed model effectively simulated blood vessel ligation.
• The difficulty of the simulation could be modulated by altering the physical characteristics of the chosen materials, such as noodle morphology.

Conclusions:

• The proposed low-cost model enables private practice of surgical knot tying and blood vessel ligation.
• This simulation tool is adaptable and can be adjusted to different skill levels, making it suitable for various training needs.