Simulating the IMA Recipient Site for DIEP Flap Surgery: A New Model for Dynamic Microsurgery Simulation with Real-Time Respiration and a Pilot Study

BACKGROUND:  Breast reconstruction (BR) using autologous free flaps has been shown to have numerous psychosocial and quality-of-life benefits. Unfortunately, the microsurgical learning curve is quite steep due to some unique operative challenges. Currently, there is no realistic simulation model that captures real-life respiratory excursion and the depth of internal mammary vessels within the compact recipient site. The purpose of this study …