USE OF CORROSION CASTS OF RENAL VASCULATURE FOR UG TEACHING

Abstract

Introduction: The internal three-dimensional structure of organs and patterns of blood vessels is complex and it is often difficult for medical students to visualize and interpret them. The corrosion cast technique is used to study the vascular patterns in kidney as it is one of the powerful tools with anatomical accuracy and durability.

Aim: Preparation of corrosion casts of kidney using CAB (cellulose acetyl butyrate) granules for greater understanding of the spatial relationship of renal vasculature  

Objectives

• To accelerate knowledge acquisition
• To determine student’s perception to the utility of corrosion casts of kidney  in UG teaching

Methodology: Corrosion cast technique involves injection of the cast material (CAB granules) dissolved in acetone into the renal vessels. Gradually, the volatile solvent evaporates and the solute solidifies inside the vessel forming solid permanent cast. The unwanted tissues are then washed away using corrosive agents like conc HCl resulting in three-dimensional representation of blood vessels.  

The UG students were divided in 2 groups randomly having 50 students each. Half of the total participants received teaching lessons through a lecture discussing renal blood supply using corrosion casts while the rest with 2D images. The other aspects of teaching session, including content, teaching slides were kept identical in both batches. Crossing over was done.

Results & Conclusion: Post session questionnaires were applied to assess knowledge acquisition and learner satisfaction.  Feedback was taken of student’s perception on the utility of corrosion casts as an effective teaching – learning method. Analysis of feedback was done. Corrosion casts enhance the student’s skills in spatial visualisation of complex vascular relationships. This can be used for other topics as well.

Keywords: corrosion casts, kidney, feedback