Low cost and easy acquisition: corn grain in microsurgery training.

Objectives: develop an easily accessible model for training the initial motor practice in microsurgery using corn kernels.

Methods: ten corn kernels (Zea mays) were used. A 7mm longitudinal cut was made on one side of the corn grain. The training consisted of performing 4 simple knots between the edges of the incision, using 10-0 mononylon thread. The parameters analyzed were 1) cost of the model; 2) assembly time of the model test system; 3) time for performing the knots; 4) distance between the knots.

Results: in all corn kernels tested, it was possible to perform the proposed microsurgical suture training, without any difficulty in the procedure. The average time to perform the 4 knots was 6.51±1.18 minutes. The total cost of the simulator model was R$3.59. The average distance between the knots was 1.7±0.3mm. The model developed from corn grains has an extremely low cost when compared to the use of animals or high-tech simulators. Other advantages are the easy availability of canned corn kernels and the possibility of making more than four knots along the 7mm incision.

Conclusion: the training model developed has low cost, is easy to acquire and viable for training basic manual skills in microsurgery.