Microsurgical Developments PVC-Rat is an example of the replacement of living animals. MD-PVC-Rat is developed to master skills in microsurgery. Using the model during training of scientists and animal Technicians, the number of live-animals needed will be reduced drastically. It gives the possibility of training approximately 25 different microsurgical techniques (i.e. anastomoses, cannulations, transplantations of vessels and organs). MD-PVC-Rat comes in a carrying case, together with a video-user-guide and several spare parts. Anastomosis - The MD PVC-RAT gives the possibility of training several anastomose-techniques in situ: end-to-end, end-to-side, side-to-side. Cannulations - The MD PVC-RAT gives the possibility of training several cannulation techniques. As described in the Manual of Microsurgery on the Laboratory Rat, one can practice the cannulation of: Jugular vein, portal vein, renal vein, iliolumbar artery, thoracic duct, double bile fistula In the Portal vein of the MD PVC-RAT one can practice the Porta Caval Shunt techniques, e.g. the button technique (acc. to Funovics) or the suture technique (acc. to Lee and Fisher). Transplantations - The following transplantation techniques can be practiced in the MD PVC-RAT: heart, kidney, blood vessels, prostheses, etc. Most basic skills and experimental techniques are described in the Manual of Microsurgery on the Laboratory Rat.
