Abstract: A simulator for and a process of teaching surgical knot tying techniques. A flexible tube made of material which simulates various human vessels and ducts is positioned between the arms of a support frame. Inside the tube are spring wires, which are strung under tension between the arms of the support frame. A detecting device is connected to the wires, which will generate various kinds of signals when the wires make contact with one another. The student loops a piece of surgical thread around the tube and tightens the loop until wires touch, thus indicating that a certain force has been applied to the tube by the loop.