Can silicone models replace animal models in hands-on training for endovascular stroke therapy?

Purpose: Since thrombectomy has become a standard treatment technique for stroke, there is a great demand for excellent training of interventionalists. We provide practical courses on both a silicone model and a porcine model and conducted a survey to evaluate whether ex-vivo training models could replace in-vivo models. Methods: 92 neurointerventionalists participating in 33 trainings were included in our survey using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The level of experience in thrombectomy maneuvers was almost balanced in our sample (55% experienced, 45% less experienced participants). Silicone models were regarded as useful training tools regardless of the participants' experience (p = .455): 85% of less experienced and 78% of experienced participants thought that a silicone model is a useful introduction to animal models. 94% of participants thought that training on animal models was helpful and necessary, regardless of their experience on humans (p = .949). After joining this course, 92% of all participants felt well prepared to perform thrombectomies in humans. Conclusion: Even experienced participants benefit from silicone models. Silicone models are a good preparation for animal models but cannot replace them. Categorizing participants depending on their experience and their individual needs before practical training may allow for an efficient endovascular training.