Basic Microsurgery

The Basic Microsurgery course involves 40 hours of one-on-one, individualized training of microsurgical techniques in a small class environment where students can learn at their own pace.

Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes - or bring scrubs.

Day 1 (9:30 AM to 5:30 PM):

Videos (click links below to view videos by the Faculty of Columbia Orthopedics):

• “A sound mind in a sound body”
• “Getting ready for Microsurgery: Meet the Microscope”
• “Mechanics of microsurgical suturing”
• “Two-stay Interrupted End-to-End Anastomosis"

Practicum:

• Gain working knowledge of the use of the operating microscope, micro-instruments, and fine sutures (9-0 and 10-0) by practicing suturing on different planes using the latex rubber glove practice card.
• Practice end-to-end arterial anastomosis using interrupted suturing: forehand and backhand using non-living model (chicken thigh)

Pictures:

Day 2 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM):

Videos (click links below to view videos by the Faculty of Columbia Orthopedics):

• “One-way-up Technique”
• “Rat Femoral Vein Anastomosis”

Practicum:

• Practice end-to-end arterial anastomosis using interrupted suturing using living model (rat).
• Practice end-to-end arterial anastomosis using one-way-up suturing.
• Practice end-to-end venous anastomosis using interrupted suturing.

Pictures:

DAY 3 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM):

Videos (click links below to view videos by the Faculty of Columbia Orthopedics):

• "Interpositional Vein Graft"

Practicum:

• Practice interpositional vein graft using the femoral vein.
• Practice interpositional vein graft using the epigastric vein.

Pictures:

Day 4 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM):

Videos (click links below to view videos by the Faculty of Columbia Orthopedics):

• “End-to-side anastomosis“
• “Basic Techniques in Peripheral Nerve Repair”

Practicum:

• Practice end-to-side anastomosis using femoral artery to the side of femoral vein.
• Practice end-to-side anastomosis using femoral vein to the side of femoral artery.
• Practice epineurial repair using sciatic nerve.

Pictures:

DAY 5 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM):

Final Assessment:

• Complete end-to-end anastomoses of the femoral artery and vein within a time limit.
• OR, complete free tissue transfer with groin cutaneous flap (end-to-end or end-to-side).

Pictures: