Iliolumbar vein as a training model for microsurgical end-to-side anastomosis

Although a multitude of microsurgical training models have been reported, few experimental animal models are available for end-to-side anastomosis. In this study, the authors developed an end-to-side anastomosis rat training model that utilizes the iliolumbar vein and investigated its characteristics. Ten Wistar male rats were used as microvascular end-to-side anastomosis models. Diameters of the posterior vena cava and the root of the iliolumbar vein were measured on both sides. The mean diameter of the posterior vena cava was 5.40mm (range, 3.2-3.6 mm). The mean diameter of the root of the iliolumbar vein was 1.12mm (range, 1.1-1.4 mm). The mean duration of bilateral end-to-side anastomosis was 50.6 minutes (range, 48-55 minutes). The intraoperative patency rate after anastomosis was 100%. The authors described a rat training model for microsurgical end-to-side anastomosis. This model is especially useful because it closely simulates a real operation, and training can be performed relatively quickly.