Abstract
Simulators are increasingly being used in medical education, but accessibility is restricted by their elevated cost. A accessible and low-cost model was developed for teaching and learning vascular sutures and anastomoses at a Basic Surgical Techniques Laboratory. Latex balloons of varying colors, polypropylene 6.0 sutures, and other materials specifically for suturing (needle holder and forceps) were used. The balloons were fixed to screws inserted into wooden boards in order to facilitate repairs. E end-to-end, end-to-side, and side-to-side anastomoses and patching were performed. Anastomosis patency was tested by injecting water into one extremity of the balloon and observing the liquid exit via the opposite extremity. The advantages observed with this training model for anastomoses were malleability, resistance to passage of the suture, and the fact that it is inorganic. Latex balloons are an inexpensive option that are non‑perishable and offer prolonged use for teaching and practice of arterial sutures and anastomoses.
Highlights
At a Brazilian university, fourth-semester medical students on the Basic Surgical and Anesthetic Techniques course start to learn about surgical materials, such as instruments and threads, and about surgical techniques, such as knots, sutures, and anastomoses
Use of animal models is the most common objection raised by the public and by the students themselves, who question the practice of sacrificing animals for educational purposes.[6]
The different colors of each balloon used for the anastomoses is an interesting feature, since it facilitates visualization of the sutures passing through the material, the edges being drawn together, and the end result
Summary
At a Brazilian university, fourth-semester medical students on the Basic Surgical and Anesthetic Techniques course start to learn about surgical materials, such as instruments and threads, and about surgical techniques, such as knots, sutures, and anastomoses. There are descriptions in the literature of using synthetic materials, such as silicone and rubber gloves, animal tissues, and vegetable tissues, and of gaining practical experience using small animals (pigs, rats, and rabbits), as part of teaching of vascular anastomosis and development of the skills needed.[1,2,3,4,5] use of animal models is the most common objection raised by the public and by the students themselves, who question the practice of sacrificing animals for educational purposes.[6] The strict rules mandated by the Institutional Committees on Care and Utilization of Animals make using such animal models in medical training difficult, contributing to the need to develop alternatives
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