Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction

Summary

Here we present a protocol for the use of the pig superior epigastric artery perforator flap as a learning module for head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

Abstract

Live models that resemble surgical conditions of humans are needed for training free-flap harvesting and anastomosis. Animal models for training purposes have been available for years in many surgical fields. We used the female (because they are easy to handle for the procedure) Yorkshire pigs for the head and neck reconstruction by harvesting the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator or the superior epigastric artery perforator flap. The anastomosis site (neck skin defect or tracheal wall defect) was prepared via the dissection of the common carotid artery and the internal jugular vein, in which 3.5× loupe magnification was used for anastomosis as we use on human cases in real life. This procedure demonstrates a new training method using a reliable learning model and provides a detailed anatomy in a live scenario. We focused on the ischemia time, harvesting, vessel anastomosis, and designing the flap to fit the defect site. This model improves tissue handling and with the use of proper instruments can be repeated many times so that the surgeon is fully confident before starting the surgery on humans.

Introduction

Reconstruction following surgery for the head and neck malignant diseases is a difficult procedure associated with significant morbidity. Microvascular free-flap reconstruction has been well established as the standard approach to reconstruction for over 20 years^1,2,3. Free-flap transfer plays a significant role in improving the head and neck management in cancer patients and in post-traumatic injuries thereby pushing the boundaries of surgical excision of disease beyond previous techniques, resulting in greater patient quality of life and longer survival rates

Protocol

This study was guided and approved by the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources, Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. This study followed the guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources Commission on Life Sciences National Research Council. All Pigs were acclimated for One week before the operation.

1. Preparation

1. Keep the pigs without food for over 12 h before general anesthesia with free access to water.
   Note: Six fem....

Results

We performed the procedure on six pigs: cervical skin defect reconstruction on two pigs, tracheal reconstruction on two pigs, and free flap to test vascular anastomosis device in two pigs. The pigs were monitored for 3 months and there was no clinical sign of neurological deficit.

The mean time for ischemia was 50 min (range, 35-80 min); the time decreased as the procedure was repeated. The mean harvest time of the six pigs was .......

Discussion

Significant morbidity and defects can occur in head and neck malignancy patients during surgical management. Microvascular free tissue transfer has become essential for reconstruction in most cases. The viability of the flap is a critical issue, requiring steadiness, precise handling of the pedicle, tactile sensation, visuospatial ability, and excellent operative flow from the surgeon⁸. To develop these skills, one needs extensive practice with a training model^3,.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Pigs XP Bio, Seoul, South Korea
Surgical Hair Removal shaver	3M
22 gage catheter	B.BRAUN
syring with needle size 18	Jung Rim Medical
Intramuscular alfaxan	Careside		10ml/VAL
Intramuscularxylazine	Bayer
Intramuscular azaperone	Sigma-aldrich		34223
Intramuscular atropine	Daewon		0.5mg/A
Intramuscular cefazolin	Yuhan		1g
intravenous Ketorolac	Hana Pharm		30mg
Swine ansthesia mask	DRE		1392
endotracheal cuff tube 6.5 mm	SMITH medical		100/150/065
ansthesia Machine	Dräger		PRIMUS IE
2% lidocaine topical solution	Taejoon
vet ointment	Pfizer		terramycin
eye cover patch	Innomed		S-universal010S
betadine solution 1%.	Korea Pharma
gauze 4*4	First Medical		22*30CM 320S
blade No. 23	Paragon		23
lahey retractor	V.Mueller		SU3960
kelly tissue scissors	SOLCO		05-1990
blade No. 11	Paragon		11
surgical marking pen	Aspen Surgical		Regular #2750
allis	V.Mueller		SU4055
tie suture	Covidein		non-needle
3.5× surgical loupe	zeiss		eyemag smart
double clamp without frame	V.Mueller		CH7155
microscissors	AESCULAP		FD038R
Ringer's lactate	Daehan		500ml/1bag
amoxicillin–clavulanate	Ilsung		0.6g/V
Meloxicam	Samil		7.5mg
propofol	Dong Kook		120mg/V
intravenous KCl solution	Daehan		20ml/50P
mosquito curved	SOLCO		013-0111
mosquito straight	SOLCO		05-1050
ethilone 10-0 suture	ethicone		10/0W1756
Vicryl 3-0.	ethicone		3/0W9890
buprenorphine	Hanlim		0.3mg