Using Condoms to Practice Venous End-to-side Anastomosis in Microsurgery.

Abstract

End-to-side venous anastomosis is a critical technique widely used in head and neck reconstructive surgery. Despite the availability of numerous vascular anastomosis training methods, a dedicated approach for practicing venous end-to-side anastomosis remains elusive. To address this gap, we introduce an innovative synthetic vascular model using a common and accessible material: the condom. It is easy to obtain, cheap, available in every country, and does not require detaching the blood vessel or processing the material. Also, because it is transparent, it is easy to recognize the suture points and check for leaks. With its remarkable ability to replicate the thickness and elasticity of the internal jugular vein, this model offers a practical and effective solution for microanastomosis training. This novel approach could enhance surgical skill development, providing a realistic and reproducible method for mastering this essential technique.