Simplified chicken wing model for end-to-end, end-to-side, and side-to-side microanastomosis

Non-living models for microanastamosis training are affordable, easily available, and avoid the ethical concerns associated with living models. Building on prior works describing chicken wing vascular anatomy and basic in situ or explanted microanastomosis modeling [1-4], we describe a simplified method for practicing three in situ microanastomoses (end-to-end, end-to-side, and side-to-side) using a single chicken wing. Materials needed include a chicken wing, basic surgical and microsurgical instruments, 10-0 suture (Ethicon Inc., Raritan, NJ, USA), and a surgical microscope. The brachial artery is dissected free between the biceps and triceps brachii. An end-to-end microanastomosis is performed. The proximal end of the brachial artery is dissected free from the region of the humerus, and looped back on itself to perform an end-to-side microanastomosis. The distal brachial artery and proximal ulnar and radial arteries after the bifurcation (approximately 3 cm from the humeral head) [3] are dissected free, and a side-to-side microanastomosis is performed. Vessel patency after each anastomosis is checked via intraluminal needle injection of saline. This streamlined chicken wing model is a simple and inexpensive method of practicing three in situ microanastomosis.