The brand new, state-of-the-art Keele University Anatomy and Surgical Training Centre opened in April with its first course convened by local orthopaedic surgeon, Professor Peter Thomas. Work began on the purpose-built centre in January 2013 and it was officially opened by Professor Vishy Mahadevan, Professor of the Barbers’ Company of Surgical Anatomy at The Royal College of Surgeons in England, on October 16th 2013. It has nine fresh cadaveric workstations available in a lead-lined facility allowing the use of image intensification for courses. The fresh cadaveric room is adjacent to a large embalmed cadaver room with numerous prosected pieces.
The Centre at Keele School of Medicine provides an excellent venue for all types of surgical training course using fresh frozen or embalmed cadaveric specimens and knowledgeable lab staff are on hand to assist. It offers flexible training configurations in a simulated theatre environment with superb audio-visual facilities available.
Professor Peter Thomas, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Major Trauma Centre at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, led the course, with participation by Peter Ogrodnik, Professor of Engineering from Staffordshire University, Mr Rob Warner, consultant Plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and Mr Damian McClelland, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at University Hospital of North Staffs. The day was organised by Mrs Susan Hartman, CEO at Intelligent Orthopaedics, and was supported by Stryker, IdealMed, DeSoutter, DePuy Synthes and Malosa Medical. Keele University Medical School staff provided technical and administrative assistance for this inaugural event.
Professors Thomas and Ogrodnik are the designers of a fracture reduction device (STORM – Staffordshire Orthopaedic Reduction Machine) that allows anatomic reduction of fractures for subsequent operative stabilisation. The device was designed locally in conjunction with Keele and Staffordshire Universities. Delegates were able to reduce tibial fractures in fresh cadaveric specimens under x-ray control using the STORM, and then apply a new revolutionary external fixator called the IOS, again designed by Professors Thomas and Ogrodnik. The day was a great success with candidates of all levels learning new techniques under the guidance of Professor Thomas.
The training centre is split into a three- station ‘wet-lab’ and a larger six-station facility. The two labs are linked by high speed data and video connections allowing the transmission of captured high definition content between the two rooms with two-way audio talk-back and commentary capability. Each lab is equipped with high definition camera along with advanced 42” touch screen flat panel LED TVs present at each station. Each station can take inputs from a very wide variety of equipment and also has a ‘locally’ mounted high-powered PC for maximum input flexibility. Any input or any screen can be routed to anywhere else in the facility and beyond.
The larger room also features a high-end 3D and separate 2D projector for maximum clarity for any captured or transmitted material. In addition, a 70” touch screen is provided that can also be ‘drawn’ upon should delegates wish to annotate specific aspects of a displayed image. Procedures can be captured/recorded in High Definition and editing and production services are available (assuming the necessary permissions have been obtained and HTA regulations have been adhered to). The Centre also provides the services of a dedicated AV and technical specialist to facilitate the use of the unique set of equipment provided. 3D still images can be created and 3D video can be produced ‘on-the-fly’ providing extra depth perspective on procedures.
The self-contained Centre allows ease of transfer of delegates between lecture rooms, discussion rooms, dissection rooms and hospitality services. The demonstration of techniques on fresh cadaveric specimens in the new state-of-the-art facility can be augmented with embalmed cadaveric specimens in an adjacent lab. The highly flexible working space provides an excellent facility for commercial demonstrations as