Instructions for the participants

TSEC is designed to simulate a modern operation theatre. The operative training is carried out on fresh cadavers. To ensure a safe and valuable learning experience, we encourage you to watch the video and read the following instructions.

Protection from infections

Usually, the deceased used in TSEC have already undergone a forensic autopsy before training event. In certain situations, one can also be used before that. All deceased are vetted before the use in training using the patient records. If according to the anamnesis or autopsy tuberculosis is suspected, the deceased is not used during a training event. This applies also to the case of misuse of drugs.

It is practically impossible to test cadavers for blood-borne infections like HIV, hepatitis B or C. Also, one cannot exclude the possibility of blood-borne or sexually transmitted infections solely based on preliminary information. However, plenty of patients carrying these viruses are operated safely every year without knowing their carrier status. To avoid the contagion, a certain code of practice is followed during the surgical operations. This practice should be carried out also during the cadaver training sessions, to ensure the safety of the training.Read about the code of practice here. By complying with the safety measures, the use of cadavers in surgical training is safe relative to the prevention of infections.

Radiation protection

During training, it is possible to use X-ray fluoroscopy. During imaging, radiation protection is necessary. There are protective aprons, thyroid shields and protective glasses available in TSEC. One can also take cover behind a movable shield or another person wearing protective garments. At a range of 2 meters from the imaging target, a person is exposed to an amount of one thousandth of the radiation absorbed in the cadaver. Therefore, it is advisable to stay as far away as possible from the imaging target during the imaging. The person using the C-arm is required to warn the others with a loud voice. He should also inform the others, when the imaging is done. Read the detailed instructions here.

If you are or even suspect to be pregnant, leave the surgical lab and go to the vestibule for the duration of the imaging to avoid any radiation exposure to the fetus.

The treatment of the deceased

Our permit to operate is has been granted by Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea, National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Heath. All training is carried out with a respect for dignity and legal protection of the deceased. The respect for them is best implemented by following the TSEC rules. The will and conviction of the deceased concerning the educational postmortem use of their corpse are always checked from the patient records and the bereaved. The educational use of a deceased person in training will not delay the burial. The bereaved will receive a detailed schedule in relation to the handover of the deceased.

The staff in TSEC takes care of the preparation of the deceased for the training. The deceased are handled as patients in the surgical laboratory. It is absolutely forbidden to take photographs or videotape the deceased in the surgical laboratory. In the auditorium, it is also forbidden to record real-time image from the lab. Please turn to our staff, if you have a need to photograph outside the immediate training sessions. During or after training events, it is not acceptable to discuss about the deceased so that outsiders might hear you. You must notice that even a decorous discussion might cause harm and be misinterpreted by those unfamiliar with TSEC and its principles.

Before entering the surgical laboratory, you are required to sign  a Commitment to the rules of Tampere Surgical Education Centre. By signing it you pledge to comply with the rules of Tampere Surgical Education Centre.

Registration to a course

Most of the courses in TSEC are organized by our partners in cooperation, and registration to them is not possible via TSEC. However, there are courses available for single professional, see “Educational events”. The course pages include information for the registration to each course.

We do not accept applications for internship or student exchange. All applications should be addressed to University of Tampere or Tampere University Hospital clinics.