Dye-Perfused Human Placenta for Vascular Microneurosurgery Training: Preparation Protocol and Validation Testing

Background: Human placenta is recognized as a valuable vascular microneurosurgery training model because of its abundant availability, ethical acceptance, and analogous vasculature with other vessels of the human body; however, human placenta laboratory preparation techniques are not well described in the literature. This study outlines a detailed and standardized laboratory protocol for preparation of a color-perfused human placenta model. Survey-based validation of the model is also reported herein. Methods: The protocol involved cleaning and cannulation of the umbilical vein and arteries, irrigation with heparin, and storage at 3°C or freezing at −18°C. Before use, arteries were perfused with carmine/cochineal, and veins were perfused with methylthioninium chloride. A questionnaire with 5 questions was administered to 40 participants among attending or resident neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, and maxillofacial surgeons on 4 consecutive microsurgical courses to assess the reliability of the placenta model. Trainees were divided into 3 groups based on their experience. A χ2 test was used to identify differences between groups. Results: Forty-two placentas were considered appropriate for training and were successfully perfused with dyes. Thirty-three participants completed the questionnaire, of which most, especially advanced and intermediate participants, indicated the placenta as a valuable, accurate, and reproducible model. No differences were observed among the groups. Conclusions: The human placenta is an excellent tool for vascular microneurosurgery laboratory training. Color perfusion enhances the reliability of this model, which was validated by most surgeons, regardless of their experience.