The use of fresh cadaveric cow brain as an experimental model for Sylvian fissure microdissection

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using fresh cow brain as a training model for microsurgical dissection of Sylvian fissure. Micro-neurosurgical intervention to the brain includes many surgical activities performed by using metallic instruments to the vascular and/or parenchymal structure of the nervous system. For this purpose, an experimental micro-neurosurgical brain model using fresh cadaveric uncovered cow brain was used in the evaluation of the feasibility as a training model. Material and Method: Experimental micro-neurosurgical activities in this study were performed under the operating microscope. Bilateral Sylvian cisterns of the fresh cadaveric cow brain were used as an interested area for this experiment. The dissection and separation was continued reaching down to the floor of the cistern, and total dissection of the middle cerebral artery inside the cisternal space was performed. The suitability of a cow brain as a training model for Sylvian fissure microdissection was evaluated as three groups; bad, good, and perfect. Results: Ten uncovered fresh cadaveric cow brain were used in this experimental feasibility study. The suitability of the experiment for training model was evaluated as bad in (2) 20% of the fresh cadaveric cow brains. The suitability was found as good in (6) 60% of the procedures. In the remaining (2) 20% of the brain dissection, the suitability of the experiment was evaluated as perfect. Discussion: To sum up, safe surgical interventions require protecting of the brain tissue and neurovascular structures. Thus, it's extremely necessary to perform dissection and separation on neurovascular on training models before real practices on humans. Cow's Sylvian cistern training model is feasible as shown in this experimental study. We believe that this training model will contribute to the practical micro-neurosurgery in various terms primarily, it helps to protect of neurovascular tissue. Additionally, it provides adequate performance for the microsurgical intervention around the Sylvian cistern.