Introducing the VasoChip: A Modular Training Tool for Objective Assessment of Microsurgical Skills

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Device Development
• Microsurgery Training

Background:

• Microsurgery and supermicrosurgery are advancing, increasing skill demands for surgeons.
• Current microsurgical training models have limitations, lacking quantitative assessment of anastomotic quality.
• Objective feedback is crucial for developing fine motor and visuospatial skills in surgical trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the VasoChip, a novel device for quantitative assessment of microvascular anastomotic quality.
• To evaluate the VasoChip's ability to simulate physiological conditions and measure anastomotic leakage.
• To determine if the VasoChip can differentiate skill levels based on anastomotic leakage.

Main Methods:

• The VasoChip device was designed with modular components to simulate physiological conditions (pressure, pulse).
• Fluid transport through interchangeable anastomotic elements was used to quantify leakage.
• Resident and attending physicians performed anastomoses, and their leakage was measured using the VasoChip.

Main Results:

• The VasoChip successfully simulated various physiological conditions and quantified anastomotic leakage.
• Objective measures of anastomotic leakage were obtained across different simulated conditions.
• The VasoChip identified experience-dependent differences in anastomotic leakage between resident and attending physicians.

Conclusions:

• The VasoChip provides an objective, quantitative assessment of microvascular anastomotic quality.
• This device addresses a critical limitation in current microsurgical training models.
• The VasoChip has the potential to enhance surgical training by providing objective performance feedback.