Reuthebuch O, Schmidt D, Lang A, Groscurth P, Turina M. Totally artificial training model for coronary heart surgery: the renunciation of animal experiments? ALTEX. 2003;20(1):17-20

PMID: 12579351

Abstract

AIM:
Animal protection laws will lead to stricter and more selective criteria thus resulting in a decline of available animals. Yet to train cardiac surgical skills a totally artificial training model was developed. DESCRIPTION OF THE TRAINING
MODEL:
The model is based on differently hardened polyurethane. Cover is a 1:1 replica of the human thoracic wall. Disposable coronaries are integrated in the heart-model. Vessels and part of the ascending aorta can be rinsed. By means of a newly designed air-pump stroke volume, heart-rate and rhythm can be adjusted. EXPERIENCES: Set-up of the model is easy and quick. Accustomed instruments can be used. Handling of artificial tissue is nature-like. Degree of difficulty is dependent on stroke volume, heart rate, arrhythmia, vessel-size and vessel-quality.
CONCLUSION:
The phantom helps to achieve confidence in coronary revascularisation. It facilitates an accompanying training for the less-trained as well as the skilled surgeon. The nature-like characteristics will help to reduce animal experiments in future.
 



Author's contacts: oliver.reuthebuch@chi.usz.ch



Link to journal: ALTEX - Alternatives to Animal Experimentation