Fragile vessel simulation for microsurgical training: The microwaved chicken-wing model

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Training Models
• Microsurgery Simulation

Background:

• Microsurgical training models for fragile vessels are lacking.
• Fragile vessels are frequently encountered by microsurgeons.
• A simple, accessible training model is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a microsurgical training model using microwave-heated chicken wings.
• To investigate the effect of microwave heating on chicken wing ulnar artery strength.
• To determine if this method creates fragile vessels suitable for training.

Main Methods:

• Thirty chicken wings were divided into control, 30-second, and 60-second microwave heating groups.
• The breaking force and external diameter of the ulnar artery were measured.
• Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Bonferroni, Spearman's rank, and multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• Sixty-second microwave heating significantly reduced ulnar artery breaking force compared to control and 30-second heating (p<0.05).
• Heating time showed a strong negative correlation with breaking force (ρ=-0.793, p<0.001).
• Breaking force was positively associated with vessel diameter and negatively with heating time.

Conclusions:

• Sixty-second microwave heating effectively reduces chicken wing arterial strength, creating fragile vessels.
• This microwave-heated chicken wing model can simulate diseased human arteries for microsurgical practice.
• The model offers a valuable tool for enhancing microsurgical training and tissue-handling skills.