Entrenamiento microquirúrgico a distancia / e-Learning microsurgical training

Introducción y Objetivo: Tradicionalmente el entrenamiento microquirúrgico se basa en la tutela presencial de un instructor. Esto presenta ciertas limitantes como la escasez de instructores y el número limitado de alumnos por instructor. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir un método de entrenamiento y adquisición de destrezas microquirúrgicas basado en un currículum en línea y evaluación dirigida por un instructor a distancia. Material y método: Se entrenaron 6 alumnos de Medicina mediante un curso de dificultad progresiva basado en modelos inanimados y anastomosis arterial término-terminal en muslo y ala de pollo ex vivo. Los alumnos, mediante una plataforma en línea, recibieron vídeos instructivos antes de cada sesión, registraron su actividad y enviaron un vídeo de su entrenamiento al instructor. Las correcciones fueron entregadas a los alumnos por parte del instructor mediante la misma plataforma en línea. Comparamos la sesión inicial y final utilizando escalas de evaluación objetivas para investigar la adquisición de destrezas microquirúrgicas. Resultados: Fue factible implementar un sistema de evaluación a distancia. Todos los alumnos incrementaron sus puntajes al final del entrenamiento. Conclusiones: Mediante el uso de plataformas de formación en línea, es posible incrementar la destreza microquirúrgica sin la presencia física de un instructor, sobrellevando las limitaciones del modelo tradicional

Background and Objective: Traditionally, microsurgical training has been based on a face-to-face tuition. This presents certain limitations such as the shortage of instructors and the limited number of students per instructor. The aim of this study is to describe a method of training and acquisition of microsurgical skills based on an online curriculum and distance based evaluation. Methods: Six medical students were trained through a progressive difficulty program based on non biological models and artery to artery anastomosis using a non living chicken thigh and wing. Using an online platform, the students reviewed the instructional videos for each training lesson, registered their progress and sent a video to the instructor for assessment. Corrections were delivered through the same platform. The initial and final sessions were compared using objective evaluation scales in order to assess the microsurgical skill acquisition. Results: It is feasible to implement a remote evaluation system. All students increased their scores at the end of training. Conclusions: Using instructional on line platforms, it's possible to increase the microsurgical skill without the physical presence of an instructor, overcoming the limitations of the traditional model

A Novel Perforator Flap Training Model Using a Chicken Leg.

INTRODUCTION: Living animal models are frequently used for perforator flap dissection training, but no ex vivo models have been described. The aim of this study is to present a novel nonliving model for perforator flap training based on a constant perforator in the chicken leg. METHODS: A total of 15 chicken legs were used in this study. Anatomical dissection of the perforator was performed after its identification using ink injection, and in four of these specimens a perforator-based flap was raised. RESULTS: The anatomical dissection revealed a constant intramuscular perforator with a median length of 5.7 cm. Median proximal and distal vessel diameters were 0.93 and 0.4 mm, respectively. The median dissection time was 77.5 minutes. CONCLUSION: This study introduces a novel, affordable, and reproducible model for the intramuscular dissection of a perforator-based flap using an ex vivo animal model. Its consistent perforator and appropriate-sized vessels make it useful for training.

A Novel Ex Vivo Training Model for Acquiring Supermicrosurgical Skills Using a Chicken Leg.

Background Supermicrosurgery is a technique used for dissection and anastomosis of submillimeter diameter vessels. This technique requires precise hand movements and superb eye-hand coordination, making continuous training necessary. Biological in vivo and ex vivo models have been described for this purpose, the latter being more accessible and cost-effective. The aim of this study is to present a new ex vivo training model using a chicken leg. Methods In 28 chicken legs, an anatomical study was performed. An intramuscular perforator vessel was identified and dissected. Arterial diameters of 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 mm were identified and consistency of the perforator was assessed. In additional 10 chicken legs, 25 submillimeter arteries were anastomosed using this perforator vessel. Five arteries of 0.3 and 10 of 0.5 mm were anastomosed with nylon 11-0 and 12-0 sutures. Intravascular stent (IVaS) technique and open guide (OG) technique were used in 0.5-mm arteries. A total of 10 arteries of 0.7 mm were anastomosed using 10-0 sutures in a conventional fashion. Dissection and anastomosis time were recorded and patency was tested. Results We were able to identify 0.7 to 0.3 mm diameter arteries in all the specimens and confirm the consistency of the perforator. The median time for dissection was 13.4 minutes. The median time for anastomosis was 32.3 minutes for 0.3-mm arteries, 24.3 minutes for 0.5-mm arteries using IVaS, 29.5 minutes for the OG technique, and 20.9 minutes for the 0.7 mm diameter arteries. All the anastomoses were permeable. Conclusion Due to its consistent and adequate diameter vessels, this model is adequate for training supermicrosurgical skills.