Rat tail: a useful model for microvascular training.

The rat femoral vessel model is widely used as the basic model for microvascular training; however, it offers only a limited number of anastomoses and vessel sizes. Rat tail vessels provide long length, almost as long as the tail; adequate diameters, from about 1 mm to 0.2 mm; as well as the economy and a convenient location for practicing microvascular anastomoses. It is also the best choice for anastomosing vessels smaller than 0.5 mm diameter. Using stored, frozen tails harvested from sacrificed rats of other projects makes it even more frugal and convenient. Hence, it is an ideal model for microvascular training. The related anatomy and dissecting method are described and discussed.