Cambridge Surgical Training Centre

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Research and innovation

Our centre offeres world leading research facilities and expertise. The Centre is fully equipped to undertake basic, advanced and pioneering research into any aspect of surgery or product development, irrespective of whether or not this requires the use of human tissue. In researching new surgical techniques, experimentation and development in the living person is ethically not possible in many instances. Using donated fresh frozen tissue from consented donors permits research into, and development of, instruments and procedures to be undertaken in a setting that accurately mimics the live operating theatre environment without the need for ethical approval and without risk. Research into the comparative benefits and disadvantages of surgical approaches can be of particular value in developing new and safer surgical approaches in the increasingly complex operations that are performed, particularly when it can be done without risk, allowing extensive evaluation to be undertaken before putting such approaches into use in the living patient. Researching techniques and procedures that previously required the use of animal material, which often excites criticism from various sources, can be more realistically undertaken using fresh human tissue. The potential for research in our laboratory to improve the standards of care for patients is vast and the possibilities endless, limited only by the desire to develop and improve patient care and the surgeon’s enthusiasm for this. All requests to undertake research are assessed and approved by the DI and Board of Directors.

The potential for research in our facility to improve the standards of care for patients is vast and the possibilities endless.

Clinical, surgical and technical capabilities

The Centre is fully equipped to undertake basic, advanced and pioneering research into any aspect of the surgery and product development, irrespective of whether or not this requires the use of human tissue.

The Centre has the necessary clinical, surgical, technical & organisational resources to maximise the potential of any proposed research in an essential risk-free and confidential environment.

Research, development and experimentation

"Facilities are excellent and a great plus is the availability of a C-arm (fluoroscopy) and very experienced radiographers. The aim of our project was to develop a new radiographic assessment of ankle syndesmotic injuries. This was presented at the British Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society conference and has won the 1st Prize."

Mr Constantinos Loizou

Surgical research

  • Research new surgical techniques 
  • Surgical technique experimentation and development 
  • Uses donated fresh frozen tissue from consented donors  
  • Research into, and development of, instruments and procedures
  • A setting that accurately mimics the live surgical environment without the need for ethical approval and without risk.
  • Research, evaluation & development of new and safer surgical approaches.
  • Evaluation of increasingly complex operations in a patient risk-free environment.
  • Research into the causes of common complications of the surgery, particularly minimally invasive surgery
  • Suitable for Individuals or groups of healthcare workers 
  • Research by companies interested in developing more effective & innovative devices & techniques with which to use them.

Research into the causes of common complications of surgery, particularly minimally invasive surgery, is now possible and can help to minimise the risk of  complications during surgery. 

Analysis of the anatomical effects of surgical techniques can be made after the surgery to identify pitfalls and complications and establish preventive tactics for future use in live surgery.  

For further information please contact

  • Director of Governance - Mr Constant
  • HTA Designated Individual and Licensed Teacher
  • Tel: +44 (0)1223 249556 / +44 (0) 7801 233535,
  • Email- c.constant@medschl.cam.ac.uk