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 people or other numbers by arrangement. Our lab has an operating station for you equipped with a Leica or Zeiss binocular operating microscope, a complete set of microsurgical instruments, and all necessary materials. You will experience hands-on learning with both models and living tissues. Both live animals and models will be used to provide practical learning experiences. You can spend several days of the training on your technique of interest.

Our courses require a degree in laboratory technology, veterinary medicine, biology, pharmacology, or another medical discipline.

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

Training modules on offer

Module A: Microsurgical Techniques

This module may be of interest to clinical surgeons seeking to master the fundamentals of microsurgery. We offer both an introductory course 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. Most programs are tailored to your specific needs. If appropriate for you, this module can include:

pharmacology models for infusion and blood sampling, stereotaxic surgery, temporary occlusion stroke models, and transplantation models. Focal and global ischaemia 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 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-stress post-surgical method for measuring 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 implanted under anaesthesia in the peritoneal cavity or subcutaneously in the animal. Various sensors and electrodes, e.g., ECG, EMG, BP, blood flow, blood glucose, and body temperature, connect to the unit. The device sends a frequency-modulated signal to the receiver, which, depending on the system, can be placed beneath the animal’s cage, in the holding room, or in the animal holding facility for free-living larger animals. Using a data acquisition system, raw data are converted and stored in a computer. Radiotelemetry data are very reliable. There is no influence on anaesthetics, handling, or restraint. Some people even claim that telemetry is the “truth”. It 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 individual needs can be addressed in either module. Correspond with René Remie or Irene Questa by email, r.remie@rrssc.eu , I.Cuesta@rrssc.eu to discuss any specific needs.

We also offer dedicated programmes. Click here to see what we have in store for you.