A New Model For Microneurosurgical Training With Irrigated Chicken Leg Arteries

Objective To present an unique microneurosurgical training model for small arterialanastomosis using irrigated chicken leg arteries.Methods 30 chicken legs were bought from the supermarket .The femoral artery was dissectedfrom chicken leg and irrigated with red color liquid. The femoral artery and vein at the hip jointlevel was dissected out under the microscope. The arteries were approximately 1 mm in diameter.30 times of end-to-end anastomosis between arteries and arteries were practiced. 30 times ofend-to-side anastomosis between arteries and arteries or veins were performed respectivelyunder the microscope.Results In 30 times of end-to-end anastomosis between arteries and arteries , the anastomoticpatency rates was 86.67%. Among the 30 end-to-side arterial anastomosis, 23 anastomosis werepatent, 7 anastomosis were narrowed or occluded. Among the 30 end-to-side anastomosisbetween veins and arteries, 21 anastomosis were patent, 9 anastomosis were narrowed oroccluded. the anastomotic patency rates was respectively 76.67% and 70%.Conclusion The diameter and structure of the chicken leg small arteries are identical to thoseof human cortical vessels.Training with irrigated chicken leg arteries can make the rehearsalquite similar to actual surgical experiences.The disadvantage is the impossibility of evaluatingphenomena such as thrombosis.For this reason,we present it as a microneurosurgical trainingmodel before using experimental animals.The model will surely facilitate the development andmaintenance of micronurosurgical skills.