Basic Programs - RRSSC microsurgery, experimental techniques

General information

Dress code: You can wear anything you are comfortable in, we provide white lab coats. We train in small groups, usually around 5-8 persons or other numbers by arrangement. Our lab has for you an own operating station with a Leica or Zeiss binocular operating microscope, a full set of microsurgery instruments and all materials you will need. You will experience hands-on learning both in models and in living materials. You can spend the last one or two days of the training on your technique of interest.

Our courses require a degree as a lab technician, veterinarian, biologist, pharmacologist or any other medical science.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Training modules on offer

Module A; Microsurgical Techniques

This module can be of interest to clinical surgeons who want to master the basics of microsurgery. We have a basic and an advanced course. It will typically involve;

blood vessel anastomoses (ETE, ETS, interposition grafts etc.)
nerve repairs
skin flap preparation
other techniques of particular interest to participants by agreement before or during the module.

Here is the program of Module A, basic

Here is the program of Module A, advanced

Module B; Experimental Research Techniques

This module is of interest to those who want to master experimental research techniques on small rodents using the operating microscope’s power and basic microsurgical techniques.

If appropriate for you this can include;

pharmacology models, for infusion and blood sampling, temporary occlusion stroke models, for transplantation models. Focal and global ischemia models in rats and mice. Cardio-vascular models (MI and TAC) or any others specifically relevant to your needs
pharmacokinetic models, for infusion and blood sampling from arteries, veins, bile duct, gut or any other places relevant to your needs
toxicology models, for a single dose, multiple-dose acute and chronic study designs and performance
different techniques of particular interest to participants by agreement before or during the module

Here is the program of Module B

Module C; Radio-telemetry in small rodents

Radio-telemetry is a low postsurgical stress method to measure physiological parameters such as heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure (BP), ventricular pressures (LVP and RVP) blood flow, acceleration and body temperature in freely moving laboratory animals. The telemetric unit is placed under anaesthesia in the peritoneal cavity or subcutaneously in the animal. Various sensors and or electrodes, e.g. ECG, EMG, BP, blood flow, blood glucose, body temperature connect to the unit. The device sends a frequency-modulated signal to the receiver that, depending on the system, can be placed underneath the animal’s cage, in the holding room or in the animal holding facility in the case of free-living larger animals. Through a data acquisition system, the raw data are converted and stored in the computer. Radiotelemetry data are very reliable. There is no influence of anaesthetics, handling or restraint. Some people even dare to say that telemetry is the “Truth”. It indeed is an excellent form of refinement, but only if the surgical implantation is optimal.

If appropriate for you this can include;

pharmacology models, for measuring ECG, EEG, EMG, blood pressure or other pressures (LVP and RVP, intra-thoracic pressure) or any others specifically relevant to your needs
toxicology models, for studying QT-prolongation in a chronic study design.
other techniques by agreement before or during the module

Here you will find the program for Module C, 3-days and the program for Module C, 5-days

NB, Your own individual needs can be satisfied during either module. Correspond with René Remie by email, r.remie@rrssc.eu to discuss any specific needs.

We also offer Dedicated Programs, click here to see what we have in store for you.