Engelhardt M, Schmid R, Kölbel B, Hyhlik-Dürr A, Zerwes S, Zischek C. Training in vascular trauma surgery for non-vascular surgeons: Vascular trauma surgery skills course.
Eur Surg 2023;
55:89-93. [PMID:
37206194 PMCID:
PMC10123566 DOI:
10.1007/s10353-023-00800-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Background
The experience of general and trauma surgeons in vascular trauma management has decreased with sub-specialization of surgery and working hours restrictions. We introduce a vascular trauma surgery skills course established to train German military surgeons prior to their deployment to conflict areas.
Methods
The intention and implementation of the vascular trauma course for non-vascular surgeons is described in detail.
Results
In hands-on courses, participants learn and train basic vascular surgical techniques on more realistic extremity, neck, and abdominal models with pulsatile vessels. A fundamental and an advanced course each provide military as well as civilian surgeons from different non-vascular specialties with a surgical skill set including direct vessel sutures, patch angioplasty, anastomosis, thrombectomy, and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in order to render them capable of managing major vascular injuries.
Conclusion
The experiences of this vascular trauma surgical skills course, initially established for military surgeons, can also be of use to all civilian general, visceral, and trauma surgeons occasionally facing traumatic or iatrogenic vascular injuries. Thus, the introduced vascular trauma course is valuable for all surgeons working in trauma centers.
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