Lightly embalmed cadavers can help medical students and radiology residents simulate common ultrasound-guided interventional radiology (IR) procedures, according to a new study published in Academic Radiology.
“Combined with immediate feedback and self-evaluation, deliberate practice requires effort, and, though not innately enjoyable, can reduce training time and be more effective than nonfocused training,” wrote lead author Mary E. Meek, MD, of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas, and colleagues. “With permission to fail and correct mistakes remote from patients, novice operators can practice common percutaneous procedures that range in complexity from superficial skin punctures to biopsies, aspirations, and central venous access. Likewise, experts can refresh old skills and learn new ones.”
The authors tested the effectiveness of using lightly embalmed cadavers for IR training by recruiting first-year medical students to practice using ultrasound-guided placement for central venous lines and ultrasound-guided kidney and liver biopsies. Diagnostic radiology residents were recruited to perform simulated biopsies, thoracentesis and vascular access.
All cadavers were acquired within three days of death and stored in refrigeration when not being used. Participants were then surveyed about the experience when done training with the cadavers.
Overall, Meek et al. found that ultrasound images from the simulated procedures resembled what one expects to see from a living patient.
“Some were not as clear and detailed of those of live patients, but were comparable overall,” they wrote. “The ability to position the cadavers in various positions was a key factor that allowed entire procedures to be simulated.”
In addition, satisfaction was high from all participant groups, showing that both medical students and residents found a lot of value in the exercise. “I'd rate the session an 11 out of 10 any day,” one participant commented. “I really feel the lightly embalmed cadaver sessions help me to understand and connect information that we learn in class,” said another.
“Hands-on educational experiences, fundamental to the IR curriculum, stimulate learner engagement, and enhance the development of clinical skills,” the authors concluded. “Hands-on training with a lightly embalmed cadaver reduces the risks associated with learning on patients. Further study is needed to determine optimal uses for the lightly embalmed cadaver as a training tool in medical education.”
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.