The use of open-cell foam and elastic foam tape as an affordable skin simulator for teaching suture technique

摘要

The techniques of suturing and local tissue transfer are skills that are acquired through multiple years of surgical experience and countless hours in the operating room. Each skill is challengingto acquire and implement but eventually works its way into the procedural rep-rangingfromfamilymedicineto plastic surgery. Equally challeng-ing is the task of teaching medical students and surgical residents these skills without compromising patient safety or satisfaction. Duty hour restrictions and changes in billing requirements pose new challenges for the medical student and junior resident seeking experience in the operating room. This makes the preparedness of student surgeons prior to their appearance in the operative environment paramount. Simulators provide early, safe experience for the beginning surgeon.