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Enhancing Vascular Surgery Training through Supervised Dissection of Postamputation Specimens
Max Murray-Ramcharan1, Ryan Bird1, Amarseen Mikael1
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Englewood Health, Englewood, NJ.
Annals of Vascular Surgery
|March 7, 2025
Summary
Surgical trainees gained significant confidence and knowledge in open vascular procedures by dissecting amputated limbs. This hands-on training offers a valuable supplement to traditional surgical education methods.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Vascular Surgery Training
- Anatomical Dissection
Background:
- Minimally invasive surgery has reduced open procedure exposure for surgical trainees.
- Endovascular techniques dominate vascular surgery, impacting junior surgeon experience.
- Current simulation labs inadequately replicate anatomical dissection for training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the educational value of using amputated lower extremities for vascular dissection training.
- To evaluate the impact on surgical residents' and fellows' skills and confidence.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study involving 22 surgical trainees (general, vascular, podiatric).
- Supervised back-table dissection of amputated lower extremities.
- Post-dissection questionnaires assessing satisfaction and perceived benefits.
Main Results:
- 57 critical vascular exposures achieved across 21 dissections.
- Statistically significant perceived benefits reported by trainees.
- Unanimous support for integrating this training into surgical curricula.
Conclusions:
- Guided dissection of amputation specimens provides significant qualitative benefits for surgical education.
- Trainees reported overwhelmingly positive feedback and increased confidence.
- Integration into residency programs may enhance open vascular surgical knowledge and comfort.
