{"id":"a84c1638-5fbd-45fb-895d-2959334023aa","slug":"a-new-polyvinyl-alcohol-hydrogel-vascular-model-kezlex-for-microvascular-anastomosis-training","title":"A new polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel vascular model (KEZLEX) for microvascular anastomosis training","authors":["Tatsushi Mutoh","Tatsuya Ishikawa","Hidenori Ono","Nobuyuki Yasui"],"abstract":"Background: Microvascular anastomosis is a challenging neurosurgical technique that requires extensive training for one to master it. We developed a new vascular model (KEZLEX, Ono and Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) as a non-animal, realistic tool for practicing microvascular anastomosis under realistic circumstances. Methods: The model was manufactured from polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel to provide 1.0–3.0 mm diameter (available for 0.5-mm pitch), 6–8 cm long tubes that have qualitatively similar surface characteristics, visibility, and stiffness to human donor and recipient arteries for various bypass surgeries based on three-dimensional computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scanning data reconstruction using visible human data set and vessel casts. Results: Trainees can acquire basic microsuturing techniques for end-to-end, end-to-side, and side-to-side anastomoses with handling similar to that for real arteries. To practice standard deep bypass techniques under realistic circumstances, the substitute vessel can be fixed to specific locations of a commercially available brain model with pins. Conclusion: Our vascular prosthesis model is simple and easy to set up for repeated practice, and will contribute to facilitate “off-the-job” training by trainees.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/a84c1638-5fbd-45fb-895d-2959334023aa/featured/hero-1782421060773.png","publishDate":"2010-11-23T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.72626","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3169/SNI-1-74.pdf"}