TissueDB/Simulators/Cerebrovascular Bypass Simulator (Iatrotek)
The Iatrotek Cerebrovascular Bypass Simulator is a purchased simulator for practising end-to-end, end-to-side and side-to-side microvascular anastomosis on synthetic vessels.[1] Kezlex PVA hydrogel vessels attach to interchangeable hollow approximators. A pump irrigates the vessels to check the completed anastomosis for leaks. Optional equipment permits depth adjustment.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Features and Basic Operation | Interchangeable approximators hold vessels of 1, 2 or 3 mm diameter. Moving the approximators changes vessel length and tension. A diaphragm sets the working width. With the optional depth mechanism fitted, the trainee can vary working depth. Irrigation can run continuously or on demand. Setup usually takes less than 5 minutes. |
| Current Development Status | Built and tested. Transfer to live surgery not tested.[1] |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | Not stated in source |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | Microsurgical scissors, needle driver (needle holder), jewelry forceps and 9-0 Monosof sutures. Optional accessories include short and long instrument sets, long needles for side-to-side anastomosis, and indocyanine green. The study used indocyanine green and/or fluoresceine for leak detection. |
| Version | Version one |
| Development Team Contact Information | Antonio Musio, University of Ferrara, Italy. Correspondence: msuntn1@unife.it. Authors: Marcello D'Andrea, Antonio Musio, Roberto Colasanti, Lorenzo Mongardi, Dalila Fuschillo, Giorgio Lofrese and Luigino Tosatto. |
Tissues
| Tissue | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artery (donor and recipient) | 1 vessel | PVA hydrogel | — | Kezlex PVA hydrogel synthetic vessel, produced from three-dimensional CT/MRI scanning data. Available in 1, 2 and 3 mm diameters, 70 mm length; the validation study used 2 mm vessels. The source reports the PVA hydrogel is qualitatively similar to human arteries for surface friction, elasticity and transparency, and accepts comparable staining with blue dye. The tubes dry easily and need to remain moist. The paper gives no replacement interval. Purchased from the Kezlex supplier. |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training platform | 1 | Alloy EN-AW 6082/T6 with anodic oxidation treatment, stainless steel (X5CrNi 18/10), polymethylacrylate, polyvinyl chloride | — | Rectangular main structure, 200 mm × 300 mm, maximum height 250 mm, weight 0.3 kg. A depth-adjustment mechanism is an optional accessory. A diaphragm sets the width of the working field. Purchased from Iatrotek. |
| Approximators (interchangeable) | 1 set | Not specified in source | — | Hollow approximators inserted into corresponding holes in the platform. The trainee fixes vessels to their nozzles and adjusts length and tension by moving the approximators. Connected to the fluid pump for continuous or on-demand vessel irrigation. Available in sizes matching 1, 2 and 3 mm vessels. Purchased from Iatrotek. |
| Fluid pump | 1 | Not specified in source | — | Drives continuous or on-demand flow through the hollow approximators, simulating blood flow. Also used to pump indocyanine green for leak testing. Purchased from Iatrotek. |
Consumables
| Consumable | Quantity | Material | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kezlex PVA-hydrogel vessels | Not specified in source | Kezlex PVA-hydrogel | — | Purchased synthetic vessels. The study describes 1, 2 and 3 mm diameters and 70 mm lengths. Its validation used 2 mm vessels. Keep moist. The source gives no replacement interval.[1] |
| Monosof sutures | Not specified in source | Suture | — | The validation study used 9-0 Monosof for interrupted suturing.[1] |
| Indocyanine green | Not specified in source | Indocyanine green | — | Optional reagent for checking the completed anastomosis for leaks.[1] |
| Fluoresceine | Not specified in source | Fluoresceine | — | The validation study used indocyanine green and/or fluoresceine for leak detection.[1] |
| Water | Not specified in source | Water | — | The source lists water and/or indocyanine green for continuous vessel injection and leak detection.[1] |
Build Instructions
Phase 1: Obtain the simulator
- Buy the Iatrotek bypass simulator — the alloy training platform, approximators and fluid pump — from the supplier. The source paper identifies the device by its registered trademark (Iatrotek) but does not name a distributor or provide a purchase URL. Contact the corresponding author (Antonio Musio, msuntn1@unife.it) for sourcing.
- Obtain Kezlex PVA hydrogel synthetic vessels in the diameter needed for training (1, 2 or 3 mm; each vessel is 70 mm long). The validation study used 2 mm vessels. The source paper identifies the vessels by brand (Kezlex) but does not name a distributor.
Total purchase cost is unknown. The paper gives no prices for the platform, approximators, pump or Kezlex vessels. A source-based total cannot be calculated.
Phase 2: Set up the simulator
- Place the training platform on a stable support. The source notes the workstation can be set in a laboratory, on a study-room desk or in the surgery room.
- If the optional depth mechanism is fitted, adjust working depth to the desired difficulty. Use the diaphragm to set working width.
- Insert interchangeable approximators into the corresponding holes in the platform, matched to the size of the vessels being used. Fix the PVA hydrogel vessels to the approximator nozzles. Adjust vessel length and tension by moving the approximators.
- Connect the approximators to the fluid pump. The pump allows continuous or on-demand irrigation of the vessels (simulating blood flow) and the use of indocyanine green to check the tightness of the anastomosis.
The paper reports that setup usually takes less than 5 minutes. Keep the PVA hydrogel vessels moist.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 D'Andrea M, Musio A, Colasanti R, Mongardi L, Fuschillo D, Lofrese G, Tosatto L (2023). "A novel, reusable, realistic neurosurgical training simulator for cerebrovascular bypass surgery: Iatrotek bypass simulator validation study and literature review." Frontiers in Surgery 10:1048083. DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1048083. PMC: PMC9947354. PMID: 36843992. CC BY 4.0.
| Alternative names | Iatrotek model Iatrotek bypass simulator |
|---|
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Simulators/Cerebrovascular Bypass Simulator (Iatrotek)". Appropedia. Retrieved October 2, 2026. |