A portable, low-cost practice model for microsurgical skills training

Purpose We describe a portable practice model for acquisition of microsurgical skills using widely available inexpensive tools and materials as a model in learning ophthalmic corneal suturing skills. Methods Interested participants without prior microsurgery experience affiliated with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences with no prior microsurgical experience qualified to participate. Each participant completed written informed consent. We developed a 3-dimensional micro-stellated icosahedron model using microtubules, monofilament fishing line, jewelers' forceps, and a basic laboratory dissection microscope. We tested this model in improving microsurgical skills in a randomized, controlled intervention trial. Following a pre-assessment task of passing a microsurgical needle and performing a tie, participants were randomized to a control or an intervention (building the micro-stellated icosahedrons) group. The assessment task was repeated after two weeks. Videos of pre- and post-assessments were rated by two masked ophthalmologists. Technique scores and time to complete microsurgical tasks were analyzed to determine improvement in skills. Results A total of 27 microsurgically naive participants were recruited and randomized (14 Intervention / 13 Control). Comparing pre- and post-assessments, the intervention group showed significant decrease in time required to pass the needle (P = 0.018) and significant improvement in technical scores. (P = 0.001). In the control group, there was no significant decrease in time or improvement in technical scores. Conclusions The portable inexpensive micro-stellated icosahedron skills acquisition model is an effective practice model to acquire skills necessary to perform a microsurgical tie. The similarity in dimensions between the model and the eye suggests translatability to ophthalmic surgery.