Design of a new suture practice card for microsurgical training.

Suturing technique is of paramount importance in microsurgery. Basic training in this technique can be done using the practice card, a purpose-made polyurethane card. A practice card has been designed in the Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre to closely resemble microsurgical requirements in order to practice and learn correct microsuturing maneuvers. This practice card is a key part of microsurgical training. After many years of experience, and based on a survey we conducted, we can conclude that this practice card is essential for step-by-step microsurgical training. Using this card, the number of animals required to attain necessary microsurgical skills is reduced significantly. Furthermore, costs are also reduced, and the trainee can avoid mistakes during training with live animals, thus optimizing results. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 22:324-328 2002