Optimizing cadaveric models for endovascular training through effective preparation techniques

Objective: This study highlights how a thorough preparation process is crucial to achieving successful cadaveric models for endovascular training. By sharing our descriptive report of procedural experiments and detailed preparation techniques, we demonstrate the importance of this process in creatin...

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Main Authors: Christopher Ibarra, MD, Alex D. Contreras, MS, Samantha Cervantes, MS, Rebecca Barnes, MBS, Stuart J. Corr, PhD, Alan B. Lumsden, MD, Maham Rahimi, MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-08-01
Series:Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases and Innovative Techniques
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468428725001029
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author Christopher Ibarra, MD
Alex D. Contreras, MS
Samantha Cervantes, MS
Rebecca Barnes, MBS
Stuart J. Corr, PhD
Alan B. Lumsden, MD
Maham Rahimi, MD
author_facet Christopher Ibarra, MD
Alex D. Contreras, MS
Samantha Cervantes, MS
Rebecca Barnes, MBS
Stuart J. Corr, PhD
Alan B. Lumsden, MD
Maham Rahimi, MD
author_sort Christopher Ibarra, MD
collection DOAJ
description Objective: This study highlights how a thorough preparation process is crucial to achieving successful cadaveric models for endovascular training. By sharing our descriptive report of procedural experiments and detailed preparation techniques, we demonstrate the importance of this process in creating high-fidelity models that enhance training effectiveness. Methods: Two fresh frozen cadavers (FFCs) were prepared for a high-fidelity vascular training model. Frozen at −20 °F, they were transported under refrigerated conditions and thawed over 3 days at 60 to 65 °F. Vascular patency was assessed using robotic C-arm imaging. A motorized pump simulated arterial hemodynamics, whereas manual perfusion enhanced cerebral visualization. Vascular access was established via femoral, carotid, and radial/ulnar arteries under ultrasound guidance. Procedures were performed in a hybrid operating room with advanced imaging. The model’s effectiveness was evaluated through pulmonary thrombectomy in one cadaver and simulated ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the other. Results: The cadaveric models demonstrated significant versatility, allowing for the successful replication of both a pulmonary embolism and a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. High-quality visualization of major and distal arterial branches, including the Circle of Willis, was also achieved. Integrating manual perfusion and motorized pumping systems ensured vascular patency and realistic blood flow dynamics, making the models suitable for simulating real-life endovascular interventions. The study enhances the model’s capability to support complex procedures, emphasizing its practical application in advanced training. Conclusions: This study establishes that preparing FFCs is promising for developing versatile and optimized models for endovascular training. Sharing our preparation techniques will allow other institutions to replicate these models to enhance their training programs. Continued improvements could make FFC models essential tools for training the next generation of endovascular specialists. Prior models have been created, and our institutional experience highlights the foundation of these techniques, whereas future studies will aim to test these models in trainees.
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spelling doaj-art-ed71a7db11b6492f8e1b0bc826e3244e2025-08-20T02:48:09ZengElsevierJournal of Vascular Surgery Cases and Innovative Techniques2468-42872025-08-0111410182010.1016/j.jvscit.2025.101820Optimizing cadaveric models for endovascular training through effective preparation techniquesChristopher Ibarra, MD0Alex D. Contreras, MS1Samantha Cervantes, MS2Rebecca Barnes, MBS3Stuart J. Corr, PhD4Alan B. Lumsden, MD5Maham Rahimi, MD6Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation, & Education, Houston, TX; DeBakey Cardiovascular Education, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TXFaculty of Health Science, Anahuac University Mexico, Huixquilucan, Mexico; Correspondence: Alex D. Contreras, MS, Faculty of Heath Science, Anahuac University Mexico, Av Porton de las Flores 36, Huixquilucan 52779, MexicoFaculty of Health Science, Anahuac University Mexico, Huixquilucan, MexicoHouston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation, & Education, Houston, TXHouston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation, & Education, Houston, TXHouston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation, & Education, Houston, TX; DeBakey Cardiovascular Education, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TXHouston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation, & Education, Houston, TX; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TXObjective: This study highlights how a thorough preparation process is crucial to achieving successful cadaveric models for endovascular training. By sharing our descriptive report of procedural experiments and detailed preparation techniques, we demonstrate the importance of this process in creating high-fidelity models that enhance training effectiveness. Methods: Two fresh frozen cadavers (FFCs) were prepared for a high-fidelity vascular training model. Frozen at −20 °F, they were transported under refrigerated conditions and thawed over 3 days at 60 to 65 °F. Vascular patency was assessed using robotic C-arm imaging. A motorized pump simulated arterial hemodynamics, whereas manual perfusion enhanced cerebral visualization. Vascular access was established via femoral, carotid, and radial/ulnar arteries under ultrasound guidance. Procedures were performed in a hybrid operating room with advanced imaging. The model’s effectiveness was evaluated through pulmonary thrombectomy in one cadaver and simulated ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the other. Results: The cadaveric models demonstrated significant versatility, allowing for the successful replication of both a pulmonary embolism and a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. High-quality visualization of major and distal arterial branches, including the Circle of Willis, was also achieved. Integrating manual perfusion and motorized pumping systems ensured vascular patency and realistic blood flow dynamics, making the models suitable for simulating real-life endovascular interventions. The study enhances the model’s capability to support complex procedures, emphasizing its practical application in advanced training. Conclusions: This study establishes that preparing FFCs is promising for developing versatile and optimized models for endovascular training. Sharing our preparation techniques will allow other institutions to replicate these models to enhance their training programs. Continued improvements could make FFC models essential tools for training the next generation of endovascular specialists. Prior models have been created, and our institutional experience highlights the foundation of these techniques, whereas future studies will aim to test these models in trainees.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468428725001029Endovascular trainingCadaverVascular simulationEducation
spellingShingle Christopher Ibarra, MD
Alex D. Contreras, MS
Samantha Cervantes, MS
Rebecca Barnes, MBS
Stuart J. Corr, PhD
Alan B. Lumsden, MD
Maham Rahimi, MD
Optimizing cadaveric models for endovascular training through effective preparation techniques
Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases and Innovative Techniques
Endovascular training
Cadaver
Vascular simulation
Education
title Optimizing cadaveric models for endovascular training through effective preparation techniques
title_full Optimizing cadaveric models for endovascular training through effective preparation techniques
title_fullStr Optimizing cadaveric models for endovascular training through effective preparation techniques
title_full_unstemmed Optimizing cadaveric models for endovascular training through effective preparation techniques
title_short Optimizing cadaveric models for endovascular training through effective preparation techniques
title_sort optimizing cadaveric models for endovascular training through effective preparation techniques
topic Endovascular training
Cadaver
Vascular simulation
Education
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468428725001029
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