Microsurgical Training with Yelena Akelina
A custom, build-your-own microsurgical training experience, tailored to the needs of your team.
This program provides direct access to Dr. Yelena Akelina, one of the world’s leading microsurgical educators, through a customizable training experience designed specifically for you or your team. In contrast to fixed-agenda microsurgical workshops, this training experience is tailored to your lab’s unique goals, challenges, and level of expertise.
Instruction can be delivered on-site, virtually, or as a hybrid approach. Programs typically range from 2–5 days on site, with optional virtual consultation before and/or afterwards to ensure your training goals are achieved .
Two Training Pathways:
On-Site Training:
Immersive, hands-on experience at your facility, tailored to your protocols and staff.
- Combination of demonstrations, over-the-shoulder guidance, and hands-on practice.
- Programs adapted for novice, intermediate, or advanced teams.
- Training for individuals or groups.
- Focused on solving immediate gaps and building long-term proficiency.
Virtual Consulting & Refinement:
Remote support to optimize setup, revise protocols, or receive targeted feedback.
- Equipment and workspace design consultation.
- Virtual demonstrations and video-based oversight.
- Step-by-step refinement of surgical techniques.
- Flexible, modular sessions starting at 3-hour blocks.
Example Training Modules:
Rather than fixed curricula, labs choose the focus areas most relevant to them. Example subjects include:
- Fundamentals of Microsurgery: Microscope use, instrument handling, ergonomics, micro-suturing basics, and tissue preparation.
- Basic Surgical Techniques: Vessel dissection and handling, cannulation of various vessels, and core surgical procedures.
- Microvascular & Nerve Repair: End-to-end, end-to-side, and graft-based anastomosis; peripheral nerve repair; advanced micro-suturing techniques.
- Soft Tissue Handling & Surgical Approaches: Gentle handling of tissues and organs with precise dissections; vascular access and preparation techniques for organ-based procedures.
- Internal Skills Transfer: Guidance to help senior scientists effectively share microsurgical expertise with their teams.
- Targeted Consulting: Guidance on microscope systems and surgical equipment selection to meet laboratory needs.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive — Dr. Akelina’s expertise extends across small animal models and can be tailored to any research program.
Click the button to complete the form — Share your lab’s needs and we’ll create a tailored microsurgical experience.
Alternatively, email your microsurgical training requirements to [email protected], and a member of our team will help build your training experience.
Your Instructor:
Yelena Akelina, DVM, MS
Expert in Advanced Microsurgery, Model Development, and Precision Training
Dr. Yelena Akelina is an internationally recognized leader in microsurgical training and preclinical research. With nearly 30 years of experience, she has trained over 4,000 surgeons and researchers worldwide in microvascular anastomosis, peripheral nerve repair, grafting, and complex tissue transfers. Author of Microsurgery 101: Tips and Tricks for Microvascular and Peripheral Nerve Repair Techniques and founder of the International Microsurgery Simulation Society, Dr. Akelina continues to advance the field by helping laboratories refine techniques, optimize preclinical models, and achieve reproducible results. View her profile.
