Bucatini Pasta, Japanese Shirataki Konjac Noodles, and Artificial Vessels: In Search of the Ideal Low-cost Vessel Simulator for Microsurgical Education

Completed

• Conditions: Surgical Procedure, Unspecified

• Registration Number: NCT07006766
• Lead Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of training models that are accessible, reproducible, and geared toward new learners. Specifically, the investigators aim to compare the four following models: Japanese shirataki konjac noodle, "Dragon skin" silicone vessel, standard silicone vessel, and the "blue-blood" chicken thigh model. This information will be valuable in assessing the utility of implementing a Japanese shirataki konjac noodle model in beginner microsurgical courses for both local and global education and outreach.

Detailed Description

The significant benefit Japanese shirataki konjac noodle as a model for microsurgical simulation training is that they are very cost effective and allow for acquisition of microsurgical skills in a low stake environment. This is particularly useful for the microsurgery novice to become familiar with the tools and basics of placing microsuture.

In this study, the evaluator will complete a "pre-exercise" survey online using a laptop in the microsurgical work space. The evaluator will be oriented to the work space and then attempt to perform an end-to-end anastomoses on each of the four models.

The following three measurements will be taken: time to perform anastomosis, number of stitches, and patency (Yes/No).

Following these trials, the evaluator will take a "post-exercise" survey. This survey will obtain the evaluator's assessment of the models including most and least valuable aspects of each model, ease \& comfort of placing a suture, and microsuture/microsurgical tool handling. Only one evaluator will be in the microsurgical lab space at one time. All study tasks will take approximately 1-2 hours. The individuals with no formal surgery/microsurgery education will be guided by an expert microsurgeon throughout the anastomoses. No varying instructional techniques will be assessed; all participants without formal training will receive identical guidance from the expert microsurgeon. The surgical residents will not need supervision or guidance. The training surgeries will not be offered if people are unable to take the research surveys.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-12-23
• Primary Completion: 2025-02-15
• Study Completion: 2025-02-15
• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Study First Submitted: 2025-05-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-05-27
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-27
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-05
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-05

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 10

Inclusion Criteria

• Participant is able to commit 1-2 hours to the study.
• Participants must either be a surgical resident or an individual with no formal surgery/microsurgery education. Five participants will be placed into each of these two categories.

Exclusion Criteria

• Participant is unable to commit 1-2 hours to the study.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Time to Perform Anastomosis	up to 30 min
Number of Stitches	up to 30 min
Patency (either Yes or No)	up to 30 min	Patency is the condition of being 'open'.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

UW School of Medicine and Public Health; 🇺🇸 Madison, Wisconsin, United States