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Updated: Sep 9, 2025
Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models
Published on: May 9, 2015
Eklavya-Do-It-Yourself Model: A Rolled Latex Sheet Conduit for Microsurgical Training
Girish Mirajkar1, Uday Bhat1, Amit Peswani1
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai Central, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Objective:
To introduce a simple and innovative low-fidelity microsurgical model using daily articles available in any plastic surgery operation theatre and to determine its quality, ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
Materials And Methods:
The model is essentially made by rolling a loose disposable glove upon a K-wire to create a true micro-vessel (< 2 mm). Adjustment in the size and thickness of the conduit can be made. Model was assessed by data obtained from subjective questionnaire to 29 experienced microsurgeons with more than 5 years of independent microsurgical practice. This experience of our model was compared with their experience with other material and animal tissue.
Results:
The chicken femoral is the best compared to rat model overall, but rolled latex is as good or second best as far as some of the features assessed.
Conclusion:
"Eklavya" microsurgical model provides a valuable alternative to traditional animal models, allowing trainees to practice and hone their skills without the ethical and financial concerns associated with live animal use.
