Bucatini Pasta, Japanese Shirataki Konjac Noodles, and Artificial Vessels: In Search of the Ideal Low-cost Vessel Simulator for Microsurgical Education

The significant benefit Japanese shirataki konjac noodle as a model for microsurgical simulation training is that they are very cost effective and allow for acquisition of microsurgical skills in a low stake environment. This is particularly useful for the microsurgery novice to become familiar with the tools and basics of placing microsuture.

In this study, the evaluator will complete a "pre-exercise" survey online using a laptop in the microsurgical work space. The evaluator will be oriented to the work space and then attempt to perform an end-to-end anastomoses on each of the four models.

The following three measurements will be taken: time to perform anastomosis, number of stitches, and patency (Yes/No).

Following these trials, the evaluator will take a "post-exercise" survey. This survey will obtain the evaluator's assessment of the models including most and least valuable aspects of each model, ease & comfort of placing a suture, and microsuture/microsurgical tool handling. Only one evaluator will be in the microsurgical lab space at one time. All study tasks will take approximately 1-2 hours. The individuals with no formal surgery/microsurgery education will be guided by an expert microsurgeon throughout the anastomoses. No varying instructional techniques will be assessed; all participants without formal training will receive identical guidance from the expert microsurgeon. The surgical residents will not need supervision or guidance. The training surgeries will not be offered if people are unable to take the research surveys.

Inclusion criteria

• Participant is able to commit 1-2 hours to the study.
• Participants must either be a surgical resident or an individual with no formal surgery/microsurgery education. Five participants will be placed into each of these two categories.

Exclusion criteria

• Participant is unable to commit 1-2 hours to the study.