AN ANIMAL-MODEL FOR TEACHING SUBFACIAL LIGATION OF PERFORATOR VEINS TO TREAT VENOUS STASIS ULCERS

Endoscopic subfacial ligation of perforator veins in the lower limb ha s been described in the treatment of venous stasis ulcer. An animal mo del to enable surgeons to become familiar with the surgical technique is presented. The model uses the porcine abdominal wall and allows pra ctice in endoscopic dissection and ligation using appropriate instrume ntation in an environment that is a reasonable surrogate for the human calf.