Studies Database

Groscurth P and Lang A. Development of anatomical models for surgical training – replacement of animal organs and tissues [abstract]. ALTEX. 2005;22(Special Issue):17

Surgeons have to be well trained to achieve sufficient skills before operating on humans which is often done in animal laboratories. In order to reduce or even replace the use of animals we developed a new technique for production of anatomical models which can be used for skilled training of surgical techniques. The models are made by casting anatomical specimens from human cadavers (e.g. heart, lung) in a flexible silicon resin mold which is then duplicated using differentially hardened polyurethane. The phantoms are characterised by nature-like qualities of tissues and organs and they show all important anatomical details.
If necessary the models are adjusted to mechanical or electronic devices in order to simulate the function of the organs.

By this procedure a model for coronary artery surgery on beating heart was made which allows to avoid training courses on pigs or sheep. Another phantom consists of a retrositus of the human body with an aneurysmatic aorta which is successfully used for training of aorto-iliaco bypass surgery. Finally a phantom for training of microvascular surgery was developed consisting of artificial blood vessels sized between 1 and 5 mm which in future may replace the use of rodents for training.

Due to its nature-like characteristics the models can be used not only for skilled training of surgeons but also for testing newly developed surgical instruments and devices which is usually done in animal laboratories.
 

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