St George’s
Anastomotic Simulator

Anastomotic practice.
From open access to depth.

The St George’s Vascular Institute (SGVI) anastomotic simulator is a low-cost, fully 3D-printed trainer, with free plans for anyone who wants to make one.

View the model on MakerWorld

Model link coming soon.

Slicer screenshot showing green 3D-printed simulator parts arranged on a printer build plate: case, tray, base, four vessel clamps and smaller components.

One simulator.
Three ways to practise.

Change the setup to practise with open access or within a deep enclosure.

The case has an integrated tool chamber, a robust lid and a tool tray with an integrated sharps box. Suction cups on the sides and base secure the case in either orientation; the jig can also be used on its own.

From above

Secure the case vertically to practise within a deep enclosure, approaching the anastomosis from the top.

For a simulated deep common femoral artery exposure.

View down into the simulator case, showing four adjustable vessel clamps and simulated vessels.

From the side

Position the case horizontally to approach the anastomosis from the side, while retaining the depth of the enclosure.

For simulated below-knee anastomosis practice.

The case arranged horizontally, creating a deep enclosure for a side-on approach to the simulated vessels.

Outside the case

Remove the anastomosis jig entirely and secure it to a hard surface with suction cups.

An easier-access setup for earlier-stage trainees or for practising more complex skills.

Hands using surgical instruments to practise suturing simulated vessels held by the jig.

Watch the simulator video.

A short demonstration of the SGVI anastomotic simulator.

Everything in its place.

Keep your instruments organised inside the case, with an integrated tool tray and sharps box.

The removable integrated tool tray, with surgical instruments and suction cups, lifted above the simulator case.

What else do I need?

Alongside the printed simulator, you’ll need instruments, suture, a simulated vessel and four small suction cups.

Instruments & suture

The system is designed around 14 cm Castroviejo needle holders, a pair of forceps and your suture of choice.

View 14 cm Castroviejo needle holders on AliExpress

A simulated vessel

We have found silicone rubber tubing with a 5 mm inner diameter and a 0.3 mm wall thickness works well as a simulated vessel.

View silicone tubing at Hilltop Products (UK)

Four suction cups

Use four small suction cups with approximately the following mounting dimensions, or similar:

Head: 7 mm diameter × 5 mm thick
Stem: 3 mm diameter × 1.7 mm long

View compatible suction cups on Amazon UK

About the team (Join me!)

James Budge

PhD MBBS FRCS

Academic Clinical Lecturer in Vascular Surgery

City St George’s, University of London

Vascular Surgery Registrar

I am a clinician and academic with an interest in surgical education and practical skills training. My work with the SGVI team on the anastomosis simulator brings these interests together, exploring how simulation can help trainees practise and refine surgical techniques.

I aim to connect clinical experience with academic enquiry to develop useful, accessible tools for surgical learning, and I am keen to hear from potential collaborators.

Contact Me

Made to be printed.
Plans to be shared.

The model uses approximately 370 g of filament. At £10 per kilogram, that’s about £3.70 in filament, if you have access to a 3D printer. Plans are free for anyone who wants to make their own simulator.