Designing a workshop for a temporal artery biopsy simulation.

Purpose: To evaluate a wet-lab session designed to teach temporal artery biopsy (TAB) using simulation.

Methods: The Welsh Institute for Minimal Access Therapy Team (WIMAT) developed two simulation models using pig ureter for the temporal artery. The session consisted of consultant-led teaching on TAB surgical approaches, mapping the temporal artery with a Doppler device, and practical demonstrations with videos. Trainees performed two biopsies using the models under consultant supervision. Participants completed questionnaires to evaluate their pre- and post-session knowledge, understanding, and learning experiences. Three key areas of comparison were mapping the temporal artery, using an ultrasound doppler device, and performing a TAB.

Results: Seven specialist trainees (ST1-5) and 3 staff grade surgeons, supervised by 3 consultants, participated. Paired t test sampling showed statistically significant improvements in mapping the temporal artery (P = 0.0076), using an ultrasound Doppler device (P = 0.0002), and performing a TAB (P = 0.0002). Identified barriers included lack of knowledge, limited prior procedures, concern about damaging the facial nerve, and lack of senior support/supervision, which contributed to trainees' apprehension about performing TAB.

Conclusions: This innovative teaching event offers a blueprint for medical training programs to improve TAB training. Modern surgical education benefits from wet labs with expert supervision.