The VBI Announces Workshops in Mouse and Rat Microsurgery at the Wake Forest University

Feb. 28, 2013 - PRLog -- The advent of modern molecular techniques has resulted in a tremendous explosion of new information concerning the cellular and molecular nature of disease processes. With this surge of information, training in biological sciences has naturally shifted towards these areas. The challenge now facing biomedical scientists and technicians is to translate this raw information into valuable insights that can further understanding of the interactions between genetic, environmental, physiologic and disease processes in organ systems in whole animals. Currently, few scientists have training in the use of the proper instrumentation or methods that will permit examination of these complex systems.

The Mouse & Rat Microsurgical Techniques Workshop arose from a long-standing collaboration between the Veterinary Bioscience Institute, Taconic Inc. and Preclinical Translational Services at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

The goal of these courses is to introduce scientists to a number of techniques that will enable them to examine complex physiological responses. The course will focus on the surgical skills, refinements, techniques and "tricks" in small animals to get the most reliable results.

The ability to objectively assess the technical competency of personnel utilizing animals in the laboratory animal science (LAS) field has always been challenging. Many LAS programs currently employ subjective and unreliable testing methods that are highly dependent on the personal opinion of the trainer, whether it is through direct observation and/or review of surgery logbooks. Often the same person is charged with both instructing and testing students. This creates an obvious gap and inherent conflict of interest, as the institutional review of the efficacy of courses and instructors may rely upon the percentage of trainees receiving passing scores. Veterinary Bioscience Institute (www.vetbiotech.com) incorporates novel objective methods of surgical skill assessment, which have been validated within the human surgical field. These validated and objective assessment tools are integrated into this training program. These tools ensure that high surgical standards are met.  This, in turn, leads to improved data yield and animal welfare.

Some of the topics covered will be: Vascular catheterization and hemodynamics of Mice and Rats, Vascular surgery in Rats, Common surgical techniques in Mice and Rats, and Gastrointestinal Procedures in Mice and Rats.

These workshops meet the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS), and Academy of Surgical Science (ASR) requirements for Continuing Education Units. Each participant will receive Certificates of Attendance.

For more information, contact Dr. Szczepan Baran at szczepanb@vetbiotech.com or (336) 713-1586