The Importance of Anatomy in the Training of the Vascular Surgeon

Vascular surgery has developed very dynamically in recent years, especially with the introduction of endovascular techniques. However, this has also changed surgeons' requirements. Classical surgical procedures have been almost completely displaced by endovascular techniques; new hybrid interventions have emerged while complex operations are concentrated in few centres. Therefore, developing expertise in open aortic surgery is increasingly challenging in vascular surgical training programs. Cadaver models provide an opportunity for exposure and repetitive training of individual surgical steps without endangering patients. As part of the training of highly complex vascular surgery operations, we carried out and evaluated the thoracoabdominal aortic replacement with 13 participants in 6 ethanol-preserved corpses. A simulation of surgical procedures on human cadaveric models cannot fully replace real experiences, but allows surgeons in training to practice and achieve dexterity in performing procedures in a safe and reproducible way.