The Effectiveness of Anatomy Laboratory Videos on Osteopathic Medical Students’ Performance

Introduction: The usage of audio-visual aids in medical education has always been rewarding. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of supplementing traditional dissection based laboratories with the video demonstration of specimens. Methods: The study was conducted among first-year osteopathic medical students of two consecutive years. The laboratory demonstration videos were recorded and provided to the experimental group and the previous class served as the historical controls. Two Likert scale based questionnaires were completed by the experimental group before and after their final examination. The students\u27 performance in the Anatomy practical examinations were compared between the two groups. Results: The students’ response showed that the videos added value to their knowledge. The videos helped them in understanding the structures in the dissection lab with ease they felt more confident about the examinations. The experimental group scored significantly higher grades in the practical examinations than the control group. The results confirm that the video demonstration has a positive impact on the traditional dissection method. Conclusion: The effect on the student’s perception is impressive and the positive outcome in the examination grades adds on to the significance of this teaching methodology. Integration of multimedia with dissection is suggested as a helpful model to improve Anatomy learning process

Integration of Virtual Microscopy Podcasts in Histology Discipline in Osteopathic Medical School: Learning Outcomes

The study evaluates the outcome of integrating narrative podcasts of virtual Histology Slides into teaching Histology discipline to the medical students at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Short recordings of digital microscopic slides were created as supplementary resources of Histology. A voluntary and anonymous survey was obtained from the classes 2020, 2021 and 2022 using a Likert-scale based questionnaire regarding the students’ perception of the virtual microscopy podcasts. A summary of students’ feedback and academic performance will help us understand the significance of integrating multimedia with Histology teaching. The study will also facilitate planning a curricular modification when needed

Double inferior vena cava with variant hemiazygos vein – a case report

The duplication of the inferior vena cava is a rare variation resulting from an alteration in the embryogenesis of the cardinal venous system. Although there are various types of double inferior vena cava and is prevalent in 2-3% of the population, the continuation of left inferior vena cava as hemiazygos vein is a very unusual variant and hence this case is reported for its rarity and clinical significance. During dissection of an eighty-seven-year-old female cadaver, the presence of the double inferior vena cava was noted. A detailed dissection was done of the major veins of the abdomen and traced till their drainage into the thorax. The right and left inferior vena cava were connected by a venous bridge which coursed deep to the abdominal aorta. The right inferior vena cava followed its usual course and drained into the right atrium, while the left inferior vena cava entered the thoracic cavity as the hemiazygos vein and drained into the azygos vein. Anatomical knowledge of the rare variant prevents misdiagnosis and aids in the proper interpretation of radiological images. Also, awareness of this vascular anomaly guides the surgeons during retroperitoneal procedures when encountering intraoperative difficulties

Anatomical review of internal jugular vein cannulation

The internal jugular veins (IJV) are the primary venous outflow channels of the head and neck. The IJV is of clinical interest since it is often used for central venous access. This literature aims at presenting an overview of the anatomical variations, morphometrics based on various imaging modalities, cadaveric and surgical findings, and the clinical anatomy of IJV cannulation. Additionally, the anatomical basis of complications, techniques to avoid complications, and cannulation in special instances are also included in the review. The review was performed by a detailed literature search and review of relevant articles. A total of 141 articles were included and organized into anatomical variations, morphometrics, and clinical anatomy of IJV cannulation. The IJV is next to important structures such as the arteries, nerve plexus, and pleura, which puts them at risk of injury during cannulation. Anatomical variations such as duplications, fenestrations, agenesis, tributaries, and valves, may lead to an increased failure rate and complications during the procedure, if unnoticed. The morphometrics of IJV, such as the cross-sectional area (CSA), diameter, and distance from the skin-to-cavo-atrial junction may assist in choosing the appropriate cannulation techniques and hence reduce the incidence of complications. Age, gender, and side-related differences explained variations in the IJV-common carotid artery relationship, CSA, and diameter. Accurate knowledge of anatomical variations in special considerations such as pediatrics and obesity may help prevent complications and facilitate successful cannulation

Double Inferior Venacava with Anomalous Hemiazygos Vein – A Case Report

Objective: Duplication of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare variation that is caused by an alteration in the embryogenesis of the cardinal venous system. It is found in 0.3 to 3% of the population. There are various types of double IVC and this case is reported since it is unique among them. Materials and methods: During dissection of an eighty seven year old female cadaver, presence of an IVC was noted on either side of the abdominal aorta. The course and the termination of both the IVCs were dissected. The azygos and the hemiazygos veins were traced into the thoracic cavity up to their termination. Results: In the posterior abdominal wall, the right IVC was found to be the continuation of the right common iliac vein and its course and termination was normal. On the left, the common iliac vein continued as the left IVC. Both the IVCs were connected by a venous bridge which coursed deep to the abdominal aorta. The left IVC passed through the medial arcuate ligament and entered the thoracic cavity as the hemiazygos vein. It was the only hemiazygos vein and drained into the azygos vein which was smaller than the hemiazygos vein. Conclusion: The most common type of the double IVC is the termination of the left IVC in the left renal vein which drains into the right IVC. This case had a normal termination of the right IVC and continuation of the left IVC as the hemiazygos vein, which is a rarely reported variant. Double IVC is usually asymptomatic but if unnoticed, may lead to severe hemorrhage in the retroperitoneal surgeries. In the imaging studies, a thrombosed left IVC might mimic retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Adequate knowledge of this variant aids in the proper interpretation of radiological images and avoids intraoperative complications

Superficial Ulnar Artery with High Bifurcation of the Brachial Artery and its Clinical Significance

Although the variations in brachial artery branching patterns are commonly observed, only 3.75% exhibit a high ulnar artery variation1. An even fewer number present with a bilateral superficial ulnar artery, as was reported by Fadel and Amonoo-Kuofi2. The compounding variations of a high bifurcation of the brachial artery and a superficial ulnar artery may be asymptomatic, but demonstrate important clinical significance in relation to accidental intra-arterial injections, errors in blood pressure readings, as well as orthopedic, plastic and vascular surgeries of the upper limbs1. This study aims to expand upon previous literature and provide additional insight to the field of clinical anatomy, while educating physicians of the possible presentations and potentially severe risks associated with these variations