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.

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 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:

A PDF version of the syllabus can be found here.

Getting there

Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes - or bring scrubs.

Directions to the Columbia University Medical Center

The Center is located at West 168th Street and Broadway, immediately southeast of the George Washington Bridge, in the Heights/Inwood section of northern Manhattan. 

By subway:

Take the 1, A, or C train to the 168th Street station. From midtown Manhattan, the A train provides express service.

By bus:

A number of city buses serve the medical center: M-2, 3, 4, 5, and 100. For additional bus and subway information, call the Transit Authority at 718-330-1234.

By automobile:

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the medical center by automobile is to follow directions to the George Washington Bridge and exit onto Riverside Drive. From there, proceed south and turn left onto West 165th Street (the first left), and then right onto Fort Washington Avenue to the medical center parking facility.

• From upstate New York and New Jersey: after crossing the George Washington Bridge, follow signs to the Henry Hudson (also called the West Side Highway), and then to Riverside Drive.
• From Riverdale and Westchester: via the Saw Mill River Parkway, exit the Henry Hudson Parkway at the Riverside Drive exit, which is immediately past the George Washington Bridge.
• From Westchester, Connecticut, or the East Side of Manhattan: via the Major Deegan, Cross-Bronx Expressway, or Harlem River Drive approaching the George Washington Bridge, take the Henry Hudson Parkway, stay to the left, and follow signs to Riverside Drive.
• From the West Side of Manhattan: take the Henry Hudson Parkway to Exit 15-Riverside Drive South.

Accommodations

Columbia has negotiated rates with 11 preferred hotels in New York City. Click here for more information on hotels, rates, and reservations.

Special option for Columbia Microsurgery Lab Students:

Maison le Grange - Microsurgery Special

Additional Resources

Columbia University Travel Portal

Columbia University Housing: Off-Campus Accommodations

The NYC Tourism website offers a wealth of information on the city and its attractions.