Egg Model Training Protocol for Stereotaxic Neurosurgery and Microelectrode Implantation.

Abstract

Neuroscience research uses neurosurgery in animal models for several experimental techniques. To our knowledge, there is no published method for small animal neurosurgery training. Based on the similar thickness of chicken eggshells and mouse, rat, and some small primate skulls, here we propose an egg model training protocol for stereotaxic surgery. To perform training it was used a boiled egg and the same materials needed to perform stereotaxic neurosurgery in small animals. This protocol allows trainees in neuroscience research to become familiar with the microsurgery setting and learn neurosurgery techniques, such as craniotomy drilling, dura mater removal, and electrode implantation. Egg model suitably mimics animal neurosurgery for the replacement and sparing of animals intended for training in neurosurgical skills.