Effectiveness of Microsurgical Training Using Gauze and Tubes for Vascular Reconstruction by Novice Operators

Abstract

We describe microsurgical training methods for novice operators using gauze and tubes. Seven training methods were designed, and a neurosurgeon without microsurgical experience practiced these methods every day for about 3 years. After completing training, the neurosurgeon performed superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis, A3-A3 bypass, and occipital artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (OA-PICA) bypass.
These training methods contribute to improving microsurgical technique, especially microvascular anastomosis, of novice operators.