Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Successful completion of year 3 of MBBS or equivalent

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to:

1. develop students’ understanding of applied surgical anatomy at an advanced level

2. introduce students to a range of current medical imaging modalities and surgical techniques

3. enable students to develop an understanding of cross-sectional anatomy and to develop skills in the interpretation of clinical images

4. inform students of the gross and surface anatomy pertinent to venous access sites

5. enable students to develop an understanding of the principles and practice of ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will cover:

1. a comprehensive study of the gross anatomy relevant to a number of common surgical procedures, with a focus on neurovascular structures

2. an introduction to the currently available medical imaging techniques and technologies and a solid foundational understanding of cross-sectional anatomy to underpin the development of skills in the interpretation of clinical images

3. knowledge of the gross and surface anatomy relating to venous access

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. identify and describe the gross and neurovascular anatomy relevant to a number of common surgical procedures

2. discuss the range of current medical imaging techniques and technologies available for clinical investigation

3. identify anatomical structures in cross-sectional images

4. identify the anatomical landmarks used to locate sites of venous access and describe the anatomy of the underlying structures

5. discuss the principles and practice of ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion with regard to patient safety

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:

1. integrate their knowledge of gross, surface and cross-sectional anatomy and apply this knowledge to common surgical procedures

2. recognise appropriate clinical imaging investigations for common surgical procedures

3. use their knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to interpret radiological images including CT, MRI and ultrasound scans

4. palpate and locate the surface landmarks associated with sites of venous access

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

• Taught sessions will utilise a range of resources including prosected specimens. 3D anatomy software, radiological images and demonstrations of procedures on cadavers. Each session will be delivered using a collaborative teaching model involving both surgeons and anatomists in order to provide a well-rounded understanding of the applied surgical anatomy of a particular body region. Students will be expected to review and expand upon this foundational knowledge during their self-directed learning to further develop their understanding of a range of common surgical approaches and procedures.

• Dissection sessions will offer students the opportunity to perform a detailed and comprehensive exploration of the anatomy relevant to a surgical procedure of their choice, with close supervision and guidance. The process will allow them to appreciate the logistical aspects of their chosen approach, including patient-specific considerations, and develop a practical understanding of the principles of surgical decision-making.

• The dissection of high-fidelity embalmed cadaveric material will also facilitate the development of core surgical skills, including fine dexterity, instrument and tissue handling, and familiarity with different tissue types and dissection planes. Students will also receive teaching on basic suturing and knot tying techniques.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

- The written paper will comprise of short answer questions and is an appropriate method of assessing anatomical knowledge and its application to surgical approaches.

- The oral presentation will assess applied anatomical knowledge specific to individual dissection based projects and also students’ ability to present ideas and findings from this study to their peers.

General Notes

This module is capped at 22, with places being allocated on academic merit. This cap is necessitated by the number of whole cadavers which can be made available for the module and by the amount of space and time available for performing supervised dissection.