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Handmade Draping System for Tabletop Microscopes in Wet Lab Training
Satoshi Yamaguchi1, Jangbo Lee1, Prabin Shrestha1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Background:
Wet lab training using a tabletop microscope and chicken wings is an effective way to master superfine surgical techniques, providing a wet environment with real blood vessels that closely replicates surgical conditions. However, concerns remain regarding soiling of expensive microscopes with proteins and blood from raw meat, which can be difficult to remove once dried and may compromise the optical system. Additionally, raw poultry introduces the risk of bacterial contamination such as Campylobacter spp., which is commonly found in retail poultry. Since the practice is often performed in office settings, bacterial transfer from contaminated hands to food and drinks poses a risk of gastroenteritis.
Methods:
To address these concerns, the authors developed 2 types of handmade microscope draping systems using readily available, inexpensive materials, including a surgical face shield, paper cup, shower cap, and double-sided tape.
Results:
Both types of drapes can be assembled and applied on the microscope within 10 minutes. The objective lens cover, made from a face shield, provided a clear enough view for microsurgical practice. An evaluation using vitamin B2 fluorescence and black light revealed that the focusing and zooming knobs of the microscope were the most soiled areas after performing end-to-side anastomosis on a chicken wing.
Conclusions:
Given its low cost and minimal preparation time, this draping system offers a practical and effective solution for protecting both the user and the microscope during wet lab training.
Insights
Protect your microscope during surgical wet lab training with a simple, handmade drape. This low-cost system prevents contamination from chicken wings, ensuring safe and effective microsurgical technique practice.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Training
- Microscopy
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Wet lab training with chicken wings effectively teaches microsurgical techniques.
- Raw poultry poses risks of microscope soiling and bacterial contamination (e.g., Campylobacter spp.).
- Contaminated hands can transfer bacteria from poultry to food, risking gastroenteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective microscope draping system for wet lab training.
- To mitigate risks associated with using raw poultry in surgical skill development.
Main Methods:
- Two types of handmade microscope drapes were created using inexpensive materials like face shields, paper cups, and shower caps.
- The draping systems were designed for quick assembly and application (under 10 minutes).
Main Results:
- The face shield objective lens cover allowed clear visualization for microsurgery.
- Evaluation showed focusing and zooming knobs were the most soiled areas after practice.
- The drapes effectively protected the microscope during end-to-side anastomosis on chicken wings.
Conclusions:
- Handmade microscope drapes provide a practical and affordable solution for wet lab training.
- The system effectively protects both the user and the microscope from contamination.
- This method enhances the safety and efficiency of practicing superfine surgical techniques.
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