Surgical Neurology
Volume 72, Issue 6 , Pages 700-702, December 2009

Human cadaver brain infusion model for neurosurgical training

  • Jon Olabe, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurosurgery Hospital Universitario Son Dureta, 07014, Andrea Doria, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +34 630587273.
  • ,
  • Javier Olabe, MD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurosurgery Hospital Universitario Son Dureta, 07014, Andrea Doria, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
  • ,
  • Vidal Sancho, MD

      Affiliations

    • Institute of forensic anatomy, Cami CA L'ardiaca S/N, 07010, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Received 4 February 2009; accepted 25 February 2009. published online 07 August 2009.

Abstract 

Background

Microneurosurgical technique and anatomical knowledge require extensive laboratory training before mastering these skills. There are diverse training models based on synthetic materials, anesthetized animals, cadaver animals, or human cadaver. Human cadaver models are especially beneficial because they are the closest to live surgery with the greatest disadvantage of lacking hemodynamic factors. We developed the “brain infusion model” to provide a simple but realistic training method minimizing animal use or needs for special facilities.

Methods

Four human cadaveric brains donated for educational purposes were explanted at autopsy. Carotids and vertebral arteries were cannulated with plastic tubes and fixed with suture. Water was flushed through the tubings until the whole arterial vasculature was observed as clean. The cannulated specimens were fixed with formaldehyde. Tap water infusion at a flow rate of 10 L/h was infused through the arterial tubings controlled with a drip regulator filling the arterial tree and leaking into the interstitial and cisternal space.

Results

Multiple microneurosurgical procedures were performed by 4 trainees. Cisternal and vascular dissection was executed in a very realistic fashion. Bypass anastomosis was created as well as aneurysm simulation with venous pouches. Vessel and aneurysm clipping and rupture situations were emulated and solution techniques were trained.

Conclusion

Standard microsurgical laboratories regularly have scarce opportunities for working with decapitated human cadaver heads but could have human brains readily available. The human brain infusion model presents a realistic microneurosurgical training method. It is inexpensive and easy to set up. Such simplicity provides the adequate environment for developing microsurgical techniques.

Keywords: Aneurysm, Bypass, Cadaver, Cerebrovascular, Infusion model, Neurosurgery, Surgical training

Abbreviations: MCA, Middle cerebral artery, ACA, Anterior cerebral artery

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 We have no conflict of interest in connection with the article, and neither the submitted material nor any similar paper has been or will be submitted to or published in any other printed or digital publication. All authors have participated in the design and execution, and they have all approved the final version of the manuscript.

PII: S0090-3019(09)00236-5

doi:10.1016/j.surneu.2009.02.028

Surgical Neurology
Volume 72, Issue 6 , Pages 700-702, December 2009