Aurich LA, Silva Junior LF, Monteiro FM, Ottoni AN, Jung GS, and Ramina R. Microsurgical training model with nonliving swine head. Alternative for neurosurgical education.Acta Cir Bras.2014 Jun;29(6):405-9.

PMID: 24919051

Abstract

PURPOSE:
This paper proposes a practical model of microneurosurgical training using a nonliving swine head.

METHODS:
Fresh porcine heads were obtained from butchery and dissected at our Laboratory of Microsurgery. Brain and skull base surgery were trained under microscopic magnification.

RESULTS:
Several neurosurgical procedures could be simulated in the nonliving pig model, including transcallosal approach to the lateral ventricle, lateral sulcus and middle fossa dissection, and posterior fossa surgery.

CONCLUSION:
The swine model perfectly simulates standard microneurosurgical procedures, and is a useful tool for developing and refining surgical skills.