Using the model during training of scientists and animal technicians, the number of live-animals needed will be reduced drastically.

It gives the possibility of training approximately 25 different microsurgical techniques (i.e. anastomoses, cannulations, transplantations of vessels and organs).

The MD-PVC-Rat comes in a carrying case, together with a video-user-guide, several spare parts and the computer simulation program, “Remote,” an interactive “patient-monitoring-system”, which can be used in combination with the MD-PVC Rat. The software runs on a computer-system with Windows-95 or higher operating system. One can train the skills needed for patient monitoring during several (micro-) surgical techniques. During surgery,anesthesia can be administered ; the animal's temperature and breathing can be observed and controlled. When the exercise is finished, the software generates a full report, showing every event and status.