Extracranial cored method of human en bloc temporal bone harvest

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Surgical Training
• Medical Education

Background:

• Human cadaveric temporal bones are crucial for surgical skills development.
• Traditional temporal bone harvesting methods are time-consuming and ethically challenging.
• A new extracranial cored method (CM) was developed to address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate a novel extracranial cored method (CM) for harvesting paired human temporal bones.
• To assess the anatomical adequacy of the CM for surgical training.
• To evaluate the educational utility of CM-harvested specimens in a temporal bone dissection course.

Main Methods:

• Eight human cadavers underwent bilateral temporal bone harvesting using a customized coring system.
• Specimens were evaluated for anatomical integrity by otologists.
• Sixteen temporal bones were used in a 1-day dissection course with experienced surgeons and fellows, assessed via questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The CM successfully harvested intact temporal bone specimens from all cadavers within 60 minutes.
• All anatomical landmarks required for dissection were preserved.
• Participants rated the CM specimens highly, though fellows preferred it over experienced surgeons who favored traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The CM is a rapid, efficient, and reproducible technique for harvesting temporal bones for otologic training.
• The method preserves cosmetic integrity and avoids calvarial sectioning.
• Limited applicability exists for deep dissections involving the internal auditory canal.