Placental Learning Model for Neurovascular Microsurgery for the Management of Intracranial Aneurysms

Training in microsurgical techniques for the management of intracranial aneurysms is carried out during the practical training of the DES in Neurosurgery and during the continuous training of neurosurgeons according to the indications of the patients of the department. Currently, the recent increase in indications for endovascular treatment compared to surgical indications has led to a decrease in surgical indications and in the experience of neurosurgeons. However, there are still surgical indications that are often complex situations that neurosurgeons must overcome with a specific simulation approach.

There are different simulation models for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The small animal (rodent) model has the disadvantage of being poorly suited to the reproduction of intracranial aneurysms (different extracranial vessel walls, too small intracerebral vessel caliber) and of being constraining to the establishment. The computerized stimulator model which has the advantage of being able to reproduce the anatomy of a patient but whose haptic sensitivity performance is difficult to reproduce for very fine movements, it is not very accessible because it is expensive. The placental model uses a fresh human placenta, the appearance of the vessels of which is very similar to those found intracerebrally, and dilations on their walls can be performed with a pediatric urinary catheter.