Apply basic surgical techniques in other specialized medical areas.

Application of basic surgical techniques in other specialized medical areas should include equipment, instruments, and techniques needed for surgical procedures such as

• plastic/reconstructive surgery (e.g., breast augmentation)
• ophthalmic surgery (e.g., cataract extraction)
• arthroscopic/laparoscopic surgery (e.g., joint vs. cavity)
• neurosurgery (e.g., brain tumor removal)
• cardio-thoracic surgery (e.g., aortic valve replacement)
• oral/maxillofacial surgery (e.g., cleft palate repair)
• peripheral vascular surgery (e.g., arteriovenous access graft).

Process/Skill Questions:

• What do augmentation mammoplasty and reconstruction mammoplasty have in common? How are the two surgical procedures different? What concerns does each procedure raise for the patient? Why do surgical technologists need to know about these concerns?
• How are arthroscopic and laparoscopic surgical tools and techniques similar? How are they different? What are the typical responsibilities of the surgical technologist in each procedure?
• What types of procedures are within the scope of cardiothoracic surgery? 

• How does the age of the patient affect perioperative considerations related to ophthalmic surgery?
• How have recent advances in equipment and techniques improved surgical outcomes for patients undergoing neurological surgery? Peripheral vascular surgery? What new technologies are emerging in these fields?