Training in Microsurgery is directed to surgeons in the following specialties: general surgery, neurosurgery, urology, gynecology, otolaryngology, as well as plastic, orthopaedic and hand surgery. The course focuses on nerve repair and tissue transplantation for trainees in those specialties and researchers who seek training in practical microsurgery at the basic level. The microsurgery course is held on a weekly basis throughout the year.

The five-day course runs from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday at the discretion of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The microsurgery laboratory accommodates one trainee at a time for direct one-on-one teaching. The course uses videotapes and direct one-on-one teaching. All surgical procedures are performed on animal models.

All instruments, suture material, and microscopes used are of the highest standards available.

Curriculum and Workshops

This basic course will introduce the use of an operating microscope, microinstruments and microsuture. The objective is for participants to be trained in vessel dissection, varying microsurgical techniques, arterial and venous end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis, and preparation and placement of vascular grafts.

Techniques used include:

  • Basic suturing using suturing pads
  • Vessel dissection
  • Vessel preparation for the anastomoses
  • End-to-end arterial anastomoses
  • End-to-side arterial anastomoses
  • End-to-end venous anastomoses
  • End-to-side venous anastomoses
  • Interpositional vein grafts
  • Arterial grafts