Transforming orthotopic liver transplantation: Innovative dry-lab simulation model in mice

He use of mouse liver transplantation models remains crucial for answering questions regarding organ transplantation, tissue-resident immunity and tumor biology. The learning curve for this complex procedure involves use of animals without creating scientific output. We present a recipient mouse and donor liver model with realistic vessels for training in mouse liver transplantation, designed to reduce the number of animals needed during the training. A 3D-model of the liver, skeleton and vessels (vena cava, hepatic artery and portal vein) was created using computed tomography images of a real mouse and 3D-printing to simulate orthotopic liver transplantation. Microsurgical experts from multiple research groups evaluated this model for usability, procedural details, and on how well the materials mimicked the real tissue. We successfully created an artificial model featuring the mouse body, organs, and vessels needed for initial training in mouse liver transplantation. The evaluation found it to realistically mimic the confined space of the surgical site and determined that it could be used for vessel anastomoses with suturing and the cuff-technique. This simulation model enables a cost-effective approach for basic training in mouse liver transplantation that can easily be reproduced to reduce animal use in the training process.