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The Importance of Training in Microsurgical and Experimental Techniques in Small Rodents Introduction Advances in biomedical research and translational medicine increasingly depend on precise, reproducible, and ethically conducted experiments. Among these, microsurgical and experimental techniques in small rodents – particularly rats and mice – are central to developing and validating new therapies. High-quality training is essential to ensure scientific reliability and animal welfare. The René Remie Surgical Skills Centre (RRSSC) is a leading institution dedicated to equipping researchers and clinicians with these critical competencies. Why Microsurgical Training Matters Microsurgery involves operating on very small anatomical structures such as blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves, often under high magnification. In rodent models, these procedures are foundational for: Without proper training, these procedures can lead to inconsistent results, increased animal use, and compromised data quality. Structured training ensures that participants develop the fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and procedural confidence required for success. The Role of Experimental Rodent Models Rats and mice are indispensable in preclinical research due to their genetic similarity to humans, well-characterised biology, and adaptability to experimental manipulation. Techniques commonly performed include: Mastering these techniques requires not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of good surgical practice, anaesthesia, analgesia, perioperative care, and experimental design. RRSSC training programmes integrate all of these elements into a cohesive learning experience. RRSSC: A Comprehensive Training Environment RRSSC provides a unique, hands-on training environment that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Its programmes are designed for researchers, PhD candidates, technicians, and clinicians who require practical expertise in rodent surgery and experimental techniques. Key Features of RRSSC Training: Ethical and Scientific Responsibility Proper training is not only a technical necessity but also an ethical obligation. Poorly performed procedures can lead to unnecessary animal suffering and unreliable results, ultimately undermining scientific progress. RRSSC …

Radiotelemetry is a powerful technique that requires implanting a telemetry device. We will take you through the entire surgical procedure, ensuring you can use the technique in your own laboratory. We are pleased to announce that ADInstruments, in collaboration with RRSSC, will jointly host a comprehensive three-day training course focused on radiotelemetry techniques. Scheduled to take place from July 6th to July 8, 2026, this event aims to provide participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills essential for implementing telemetry in research settings. Throughout the course, attendees will gain valuable insights into surgical procedures for implanting telemetry devices, with an emphasis on best practices to ensure animal welfare and data accuracy. The programme will also cover critical aspects of surgical preparation, including appropriate suture materials, instrumentation, anaesthesia, and aseptic technique. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experienced professionals and enhance their technical expertise in a collaborative environment. The course will be held in Almere, the Netherlands, offering an excellent setting for professional development and networking within the scientific community. We look forward to welcoming researchers and practitioners committed to advancing their skills in radiotelemetry applications.

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On December 19, 2025, the first tube or tunnel handling training will be organised by RRSSC If you would like to join, please send an email to r.remie@rrssc.eu

Online (micro)surgical training at RRSSC (download the PDF) At the René Remie Surgical Skills Centre (RRSSC) training facilities in Almere, The Netherlands, we have trained over 3000 surgeons, veterinarians, animal technicians, and scientists. We teach the general principle of surgery in rodents and provide training in a large number of specific (micro)surgical procedures, e.g. catheterisations for chronic blood sampling and infusion, implantation of devices (radio-telemeters, osmotic mini pumps and iPRECIO pumps), and experimental techniques such as myocardial infarction (MI, LAD obstruction), transverse aortic constriction (TAC). However, experimental techniques such as bile duct catheterization with intact entero-hepatic circulation and chronic CSF sampling in the cisterna manga of the rat are also taught. The dedicated surgical workstations, FST instruments, personal attention, and relaxed atmosphere during our courses create the ideal circumstances for knowledge transfer. Our website testimonials speak for themselves.  (https://www.rrssc.eu/testimonials-2/). Why did we start this online training? Like many other businesses, we were affected by the travel restrictions of our clients due to the Corona pandemic. As a result, the number of course participants being able to follow our training modules decreased. Although we believe that surgical training is best achieved with personal guidance in our dedicated training facilities, we have the set up for online surgical training for advanced surgeons and thus expand our training possibilities. With online surgical training, we continue to comply with our mission “To share our experience and enthusiasm for setting and achieving ambitious levels of surgical skills”. This means we have set the highest standard for performing this online surgical training. Both the microscope vision and overview of the surgical area are provided. Additionally, we offer the possibility of monitoring you while performing surgery using a portable digital microscope. This allows us to guide you through procedures and help you perform complex steps in the operation. …

Good and reliable surgical instruments are important tools for optimal microsurgery. For over 45 years, the Fine Science Tools (FST) Group has been the leading distributor of precision surgical and microsurgical instruments and laboratory accessories in Europe. At FST, they precisely craft over 1,000 products and serve thousands of customers in universities, research facilities, biotech, and scientific institutions worldwide.  They team with over 70 business partners and are working with over 50 distributors, all well-known in the fields of laboratory sales and surgical equipment. All of their European manufacturers and suppliers are ISO 9001 certified. All the employees at the three offices support the wide-ranging needs of the scientific and biomedical research communities around the globe.  RRSSC and FST share several core values. Good and reliable surgical instruments are important tools for optimal microsurgery. Therefore Fine Science Tools (FST) and RRSSC are joining forces. Their selection of instruments is based on careful study and knowledge of customers’ needs, as well as listening to their requests. They use this feedback to constantly adapt their products to the laboratories, research facilities, and learning institutions that rely on them.Almost every instrument they sell is manufactured by skilled European craftsmen and designed to exact specifications. Their instruments are forged from the strongest, lightest materials available, including the finest German stainless-steel alloys. On top of that, they can help you adapt an instrument to your specific needs or refurbish used instruments. Are you interested in the RRSSC-FST instrument selection for microsurgery? Have a look here

This training is aimed at participants who want to develop surgical skills in implanting telemetric transmitters. It requires a degree as a lab technician, veterinarian, biologist, pharmacologist or any other medical science.We recognize that a critical component to the success of collecting accurate physiological measurements via telemetry is surgical proficiency. Quality surgical training dramatically shortens the learning curve for device implantation and provides earlier success in collecting accurate data. To that end, Data Sciences International (DSI) in collaboration with the René Remie Surgical Skills Centre (RRSSC) proposes a surgical training workshop at the RRSSC. The workshop has a maximum of 8 participants. The training lasts 2 days (14 hours). Click here for additional information and registration