The excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomosis practice model: development and application of a tool for practicing microvascular anastomosis techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To practice microsurgical skills, several experimental models are available that diminish the need for experimental animals. We defined criteria with which such models should comply, and we tested whether the models described in literature, as well as our own practice model, comply with these criteria.
METHODS: We defined the criteria to which these models should comply, and we performed a literature search on microvascular practice models. During the development of the Excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomosis technique, we designed our own Excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomosis Practice Model (EPM) according to those criteria, and we compared that model with the models described in the literature.
RESULTS: All practice models could be categorized into three groups: beginner, moderate, and advanced. Our EPM complies with almost all criteria defined in the beginner and moderate groups and has much in common with the models that are categorized in the advanced group.
CONCLUSION: In consideration of the methods to learn microvascular surgical techniques, the EPM can be used for a very long time before the need for living animals arises. This last aspect remains an inescapable condition for practicing microsurgical skills. However, with use of the EPM or another practice model, the amount of experimental animals can be drastically reduced.