Simple and viable in vitro perfusion model for training microvascular anastomoses.

In this report, we describe a novel in vitro perfused microvessel model for training microvascular anastomotic exercises. Arteries and veins with a diameter of ca. 1 mm were explanted from chicken wings. These vessels were cannulated at both ends and mounted on a platform. Preserved, expired whole blood obtained from the blood bank was continuously injected through the proximal catheter, using an automatic perfusor. This in vitro perfused microvessel model exactly simulated the viable small-animal vessels. The setting is very simply and reliably repeated; the materials used are very cheap and universally available. There are no ethical questions involved. Vessels explanted from the human placenta or omentum may be used in a similar manner to gain the "feel" of functioning human microvascular tissue. But such materials are rarer and require the approval of ethical committees. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.