Use of small-caliber polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) grafts in microsurgical training.

We present the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft material as a microsurgical training model that better simulates live vessel repairs. PTFE grafts have mechanical advantages over polyethylene or silicone tubing in that they better mimic the "feel" of an arterial vessel wall, thus allowing the student to perfect counterpressor maneuvers before attempting live vessel repairs. Saving the PTFE "repairs" for later comparison and study provides the student with positive feedback that is not possible with living models. This cost-effective model has helped to shorten our directed teaching program and has reduced the use of laboratory animals.