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Vascular Emergency Surgery: Simulated Exercises for Limb Salvage (VESSELS)—development of a simulation model and curriculum for the military general surgeon

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Global Surgical Education - Journal of the Association for Surgical Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Military surgeons have the unique responsibility of maintaining a broad set of surgical skills to care for combat-related injuries during times of peace. Lower and upper limb amputations are life-altering combat injuries sustained by our military personnel. Salvage of a limb saves someone from impaired mobility, abnormal physiology, and social effects of amputation and requires the knowledge and technical proficiency to diagnose and treat vascular traumatic injuries.

Methods

A needs assessment of deployable military surgeons was performed which demonstrated a need for additional training to diagnose and treat vascular emergencies. For simulation skills training, a novel low-cost arterial model was developed by our institution's mixed material layering 3D medical applications center. A focused simulation curriculum was developed which included both didactic and technical skills training for vascular trauma emergencies. Learners were assessed using a pre-, post-test design to evaluate efficacy.

Results

A realistic vascular model was developed using 3D printed technologies and was used for traumatic vascular emergency skills training. Implementation of the VESSELS course using both in-person and online asynchronous formats demonstrated significant increases in knowledge and confidence in diagnosing and managing limb-threatening injuries.

Conclusions

A novel, low-cost simulation model and curriculum was developed that increases the understanding of vascular surgical techniques and emergency procedures. This course is an option for deploying military surgeons and surgeons without vascular training who are responsible for managing vascular emergencies.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Health Professions Education, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA

    C. Hickey, M. Davic, Holly Meyer & Ronald Cervero

  2. Department of Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center/Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA

    C. Hickey, M. Davic, W. B. Sweeney & B. R. Franklin

  3. Department of Surgery, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA

    C. Hickey

  4. 3D Medical Applications Center, Department of Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA

    P. Liacouras

Authors
  1. C. Hickey
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  2. M. Davic
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  3. W. B. Sweeney
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  4. P. Liacouras
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  5. Holly Meyer
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  6. Ronald Cervero
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  7. B. R. Franklin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. Hickey.

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Disclaimer: The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), the Department of Defense (DoD), or the Departments of the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Hickey, C., Davic, M., Sweeney, W.B. et al. Vascular Emergency Surgery: Simulated Exercises for Limb Salvage (VESSELS)—development of a simulation model and curriculum for the military general surgeon. Global Surg Educ 2, 35 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44186-023-00110-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44186-023-00110-y

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