Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
0.8
Journals
Surgeries
Special Issues
Interdisciplinary Experimental Surgical Research and Technologies, Featured by the Academy...
share announcement

Interdisciplinary Experimental Surgical Research and Technologies, Featured by the Academy of Surgical Research

A special issue of Surgeries (ISSN 2673-4095).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 15041

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Melanie L. Graham

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
Interests: animal behavior; primates; 3Rs; animal disease models; animal welfare; cell-based therapies; metabolic disease; surgery; transplantation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Academy of Surgical Research has promoted the advancement of professional and academic standards, education, and research into the art and science of experimental surgery since 1982. This Special Issue aims to represent the diversity of research within the field with an emphasis on standards and practices. We encourage scientists from academia, as well as those in the industry, to submit their latest results focused on, but not limited to, the following topics: biomechanics/bioengineering, drug delivery, surgical education, functional studies, implants and device development, surgical models and 3R concepts, wound-healing, minimally invasive surgery, and surgical outcomes research. 
In doing so, we hope to generate a broad collection of high-quality articles that demonstrate the powerful research of scientists working in the field of experimental surgery and strengthen scientific networks in accordance with the mission of the Academy.

https://surgicalresearch.org/

Dr. Melanie L. Graham
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Surgeries is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

9 pages, 6997 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Study of Yucatan Porcine Breast Morphology: Identifying Basic Differences and Similarities for Surgical Model Applications
by Darcy H. Gagne, Catherine C. Steele, John Keating, Kasia Bradbury, Amit Badhwar and Sakib F. Elahi
Surgeries 2025, 6(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries6010011 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 601
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The porcine mammary anatomy is poorly characterized, and structures are difficult to differentiate macroscopically, unlike human mammary tissue. The objective of this exploratory study was to describe the Yucatan porcine breast tissue morphology and identify the basic differences and similarities to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The porcine mammary anatomy is poorly characterized, and structures are difficult to differentiate macroscopically, unlike human mammary tissue. The objective of this exploratory study was to describe the Yucatan porcine breast tissue morphology and identify the basic differences and similarities to human breast tissue. Methods: Samples from an adult, non-parous female Yucatan pig were prepared utilizing various methods: freezing at −80 °F (−26.67 °C) with a thickness of 0.5 cm/post-fixation in formalin; freezing at −20 °F (−6.67 °C) with a thickness of 0.5 cm/post-fixation in formalin; or formalin fixed and incised at ~0.8 cm. A descriptive comparison of the gross and microscopic images of the porcine breast morphology to the previously described human breast anatomy was performed. Results: As examined grossly, frozen sections allowed narrower serial cross-sectioning and better visualization of the structures and relationships. The mammary glands were poorly demarcated with extensive interspersed adipose tissue throughout the periphery. The mammary tissue appeared grossly as pigmented tissue and extended within ~0.5 cm from the skin surface, ~2.0 cm deep (within ~0.5 cm of the deep muscle layer), and ~6.5 cm laterally (centered on a teat). There were a number of similarities between Yucatan porcine and human breast tissue, yet there were several inherent structural differences. In contrast to human mammary tissue, porcine mammary glands consist of more diffuse acinar tissue, less well demarcated by defined fascial, lamellar, and ligamentous structures. Conclusions: The Yucatan porcine mammary morphology and similarities to the human mammary region allow for the use of this animal model to guide those developing relevant technologies or performing local surgical interventions in the preclinical setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Experimental Surgical Research and Technologies, Featured by the Academy of Surgical Research)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1935 KiB  
Article
Implantation of a Vascular Access Button for Chronic Blood Sampling and Drug Administration in the Rabbit
by Jon Ehrmann, Wendy Johnson, Arlene de Castro and Marcie Donnelly
Surgeries 2023, 4(2), 141-151; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries4020016 - 3 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3083
Abstract
Rabbits are commonly used for pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies in the research setting, requiring repetitive venipuncture, which can be challenging in this species. The auricular vessels are commonly used for venipuncture in rabbits. The repetitive access of these delicate vessels can [...] Read more.
Rabbits are commonly used for pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies in the research setting, requiring repetitive venipuncture, which can be challenging in this species. The auricular vessels are commonly used for venipuncture in rabbits. The repetitive access of these delicate vessels can lead to trauma such as hematomas causing venipuncture to become more challenging as the study progresses. In turn, this leads to missed time points or insufficient blood samples. Surgical models for chronic vascular access in rabbits are common throughout the industry. Common models include exteriorized vascular catheters and implanted vascular access ports. However, these implants come with their own complications and restrictions when used in rabbits. Therefore, the authors evaluated the use of a vascular access button (VAB), an implant commonly used in small rodents, as a refinement to the current chronic models in use in the industry. Seventeen rabbits were implanted with either single or dual channel VABs. The catheters were implanted in the femoral artery and/or vein and then tunneled subcutaneously to the button on the dorsal thoracic area. Overall, the results were outstanding, and an established model was created. The average patency rate was 316 days with several implants still patent after 2 years. The authors feel the implantation and use of a vascular access button in rabbits for routine PK studies is an excellent refinement. The rabbits tolerate the buttons extremely well with minimal issues. The patency rate is equal to or better than vascular access ports and when used with the tethering system, provides a hands-off method for blood collection and intravenous administration in rabbits during PK studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Experimental Surgical Research and Technologies, Featured by the Academy of Surgical Research)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 224 KiB  
Article
Guideline for Vascular Access Port Use and Maintenance in Large Animals for Biomedical Research
by Jan Bernal, Scott Adrian, Heather Burkart and Michael Laffins
Surgeries 2022, 3(3), 219-228; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries3030024 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4336
Abstract
Purpose Vascular Access Ports (VAPs) consist of an indwelling catheter connected to an implanted port that provides direct access for sample collection or infusion. The use of VAPs in biomedical research reduces trauma on vessels from repeated venipuncture, decreases secondary infections, promotes social [...] Read more.
Purpose Vascular Access Ports (VAPs) consist of an indwelling catheter connected to an implanted port that provides direct access for sample collection or infusion. The use of VAPs in biomedical research reduces trauma on vessels from repeated venipuncture, decreases secondary infections, promotes social housing and animal welfare, and increases the accuracy and efficiency of study procedures. In addition to enabling comprehensive data collection, VAPs increase satisfaction, and well-being by minimizing interference with daily routines and fostering cooperation. The responsible use of VAPs includes approval by the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC), verification of the surgeon′s skill and experience, and confirmation that research staff are trained on the proper maintenance and access techniques. This document aims to provide surgeons, researchers and research staff, veterinary staff, and IACUCs with guidelines for implanting, maintaining, accessing, and troubleshooting vascular access ports in large animal species. (Rabbit, Canine, Feline, Nonhuman Primate, Porcine). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Experimental Surgical Research and Technologies, Featured by the Academy of Surgical Research)
11 pages, 1977 KiB  
Article
Baseline Hemodynamics Including Aortic and Pulmonary Blood Flow in a Chronic Bovine Model
by Angel Moctezuma-Ramirez, Abdelmotagaly Elgalad, Kelly Handy, Gil Costas and O. H. Frazier
Surgeries 2022, 3(3), 192-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries3030021 - 18 Jul 2022
Viewed by 2311
Abstract
The use of large animal models in the preclinical setting has expanded and become increasingly valuable for evaluating the safety and efficacy of new therapies and devices. Here, we report normal hemodynamic values, including aortic and pulmonary blood flow, in a bovine model [...] Read more.
The use of large animal models in the preclinical setting has expanded and become increasingly valuable for evaluating the safety and efficacy of new therapies and devices. Here, we report normal hemodynamic values, including aortic and pulmonary blood flow, in a bovine model at rest and during exercise after a control procedure. We performed a left lateral thoracotomy and implanted fluid-filled pressure lines (aortic pressure, right atrial pressure, left atrial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure) and left (systemic) and right (pulmonary) flow probe lines. Throughout the postoperative period, the calf’s physiologic pressures, vital signs, aortic and pulmonary blood flow, and pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance were recorded hourly at rest and during treadmill exercise evaluations. When pressures and flow rates at baseline and during treadmill trials were compared, we observed a physiologic response to exercise similar to that seen in humans, with a sympathetic discharge that increased systolic blood pressure. However, the rise in mean arterial pressure was much lower due to an overall decrease in vascular resistance, which increased blood flow. This study provides investigators, device engineers, and manufacturers with normal bovine cardiovascular physiology data that can be used for technical consideration during device development for preclinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Experimental Surgical Research and Technologies, Featured by the Academy of Surgical Research)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 4624 KiB  
Review
Indwelling Vascular Access Ports: Application, Advantages, and Management in Nonhuman Primates
by Scott H. Oppler, David J. Leishman and Melanie L. Graham
Surgeries 2023, 4(3), 446-460; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries4030044 - 6 Sep 2023
Viewed by 2703
Abstract
Animals in the veterinary and experimental settings, including nonhuman primates (NHPs), often require repeated and prolonged vascular access for indications including blood sampling or administration of fluids, blood products, medication, or other therapies. A vascular access approach should be tailored to experimental or [...] Read more.
Animals in the veterinary and experimental settings, including nonhuman primates (NHPs), often require repeated and prolonged vascular access for indications including blood sampling or administration of fluids, blood products, medication, or other therapies. A vascular access approach should be tailored to experimental or clinical use meeting the needs of the individual animal such that benefits outweigh risks. The optimal device and placement technique is based on the inherent advantages and disadvantages of specific anatomic sites and planned use. Totally implanted vascular access ports (VAPs) enable reliable central venous access for frequent sample collection and/or intravenous therapies. VAPs minimize discomfort with IV access to facilitate cooperation with handling and minimize stress-induced physiologic changes which can confound biologic data and drug responses. VAPs do not limit species-typical behavior and social group activities and are compatible with animal enrichment programs that include play and swim because there are no externalized components. VAPs are typically used long-term and demonstrate excellent durability with high patency and low complication rates over time, presenting a safe and dependable vascular access approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Experimental Surgical Research and Technologies, Featured by the Academy of Surgical Research)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop