Current status of simulation and training models in microsurgery: A systematic review
Systematic review published in Microsurgery (2019)
Abstract
With the prolific uptake of simulation-based training courses, this systematic review aims to identify the available microsurgical simulation and training models, their status of validation, associated studies, and levels of evidence (LoE) for each training model, thereby establishing a level of recommendation (LoR). MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for English language articles, describing microsurgery simulators and/or validation studies. All studies were assessed for LoE, and each model was subsequently awarded a LoR using a modified Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification, adapted for education, with 1 being the highest and 4 the lowest score. A total of 86 studies were identified describing 64 models and simulators ranging from bench models, cadaveric animal tissue, cadaveric human tissue, live animal models, virtual reality simulators, and training curricula. Of these, 49 simulators had at least one validation study. Models were assessed for face (n = 42), content (n = 31), construct (n = 25), transfer (n = 10), and concurrent validity (n = 1) by these studies. The most commonly identified modality was bench models (n = 28) followed by cadaveric animal tissue (n = 24). The cryopreserved rat aorta model received the highest LoR followed by chicken wing, chicken thigh and practice cardboard models. Microsurgery simulation is a growing field and increasing numbers of models are being produced. However, there are still only a few validation studies with a high LoE. It is therefore imperative that training models and/or programs are evaluated for validity and efficacy in order to allow utilization in microsurgical skills acquisition.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Systematic review of 86 studies on 64 microsurgery simulators including bench, cadaveric animal/human tissue, live animal, virtual reality and curricula; cryopreserved rat aorta received highest LoR.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Esta revisión sistemática identificó y evaluó 86 estudios que describen 64 modelos de simulación y entrenamiento microquirúrgico, que abarcan desde modelos de banco y tejidos cadavéricos hasta simuladores de realidad virtual y planes de formación, evaluando sus niveles de evidencia y estado de validación. La revisión encontró que solo 49 simuladores contaban con al menos un estudio de validación, siendo el modelo de aorta de rata criopreservada el que recibió el mayor nivel de recomendación. Este artículo no tiene relevancia directa para la hirudoterapia, el secretoma de la sanguijuela ni el ámbito de ASH: trata sobre metodología de entrenamiento de habilidades quirúrgicas y no menciona las sanguijuelas, la terapia con sanguijuelas ni las sustancias derivadas de sanguijuelas en ningún contexto. Su inclusión en una biblioteca de investigación de ASH no estaría justificada según el contenido del resumen.
Citación
Current status of simulation and training models in microsurgery: A systematic review.
Javid P et al. · Microsurgery, 2019
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026