Training in microvascular surgery.

This is the first report that analyzes the time required for a general surgeon to master the technique of anastomosis of arteries with diameters of 1.25 and 1.5 mm. Probes of 0.25 mm gradation were used to calibrate the lumens of the arteries and the anastomoses. The Zeiss microscope was used at 25 magnifications to repair a transverse division of the abdominal aorta of a 120 gram rat. Fifteen hours were required for the surgeon (S.H.) to become accustomed to the use of the equipment. Then a series of 40 rats were operated upon and kept alive from 1 to 6 weeks. Patency rate was 100% (40 of 40). No anastomosis was less than 1.25 mm in diameter. After the initial practice period of 15 hours, quality of anastomosis was unchanged, but time required to perform it diminished from 45 minutes to 15 minutes during the course of 40 procedures that occupied 35 laboratory hours.