A Novel Perforator Flap Training Model Using a Chicken Leg.
BACKGROUND
Living animal models are frequently used for perforator flap dissection training, but no ex vivo models have been described. The aim of this study is to present a novel nonliving model for perforator flap training based on a constant perforator in the chicken leg.


METHODS
A total of 15 chicken legs were used in this study. Anatomical dissection of the perforator was performed after its identification using ink injection, and in four of these specimens a perforator-based flap was raised.


RESULTS
The anatomical dissection revealed a constant intramuscular perforator with a median length of 5.7 cm. Median proximal and distal vessel diameters were 0.93 and 0.4 mm, respectively. The median dissection time was 77.5 minutes.


CONCLUSIONS
This study introduces a novel, affordable, and reproducible model for the intramuscular dissection of a perforator-based flap using an ex vivo animal model. Its consistent perforator and appropriate-sized vessels make it useful for training.
Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Ignacio J
IJ
Cifuentes
Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Ricardo A
RA
Yañez
Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Maria C
MC
Salisbury
Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
José R
JR
Rodriguez
Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Julian E
JE
Varas
Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Bruno L
BL
Dagnino
chicken; microsurgery; perforator flap; training