An Affordable Stereomicroscope for Microsurgery Training with Fluorescence Mode

Abstract

Background: Laboratory training is a very important step on the development of the skills necessary for a neurosurgeon. This can be achieved using animal models and surgical microscopes or stereomicroscopes. Methods, like the use of fluorescein, increase the lifelike situation and allow anyone to assess the patency of an anastomosis and improve the quality of this training.

Methods: We report the use of a stereomicroscope with white light and a fluorescence mode used to perform dissection of small arteries and anastomosis using a chicken wing model. Using an affordable device, we could perform fluorescein videoangiography to asses the patency of those anastomosis and improve the quality of the training skills in microsurgery.

Results: The stereomicroscope is a useful tool for laboratory training and can be used as a substitute of a surgical microscope for microsurgery training. The fluorescence mode allowed us to perform fluorescein videoangiography with very a good quality of image.

Conclusions: Microsurgery training is important part in the life of any neurosurgeon. Using a stereomicroscope with a fluorescence mode is an affordable method that can be reproduced in any laboratory in the world.

Keywords: Fluorescein; Fluorescence; ICG; Laboratory; Microsurgical training; Microvascular anastomosis; Neurosurgery.