A lesson on ‘Cardiac tamponade’ from the cadaver

Abstract

While dissecting the thorax, when the pericardium was opened, massive clots were seen, concealing the heart. The experience was used to teach about pericardial pericardial tamponade, which most probably caused the death of the “patient.” The concept of how the intrapericardial pressure builds up to compromise cardiac hemodynamics, how it can be clinically suspected, rapidly investigated, and managed as a medical emergency, was taught. This incident was an eye-opener that the time-tested cadaveric dissection should never be entirely replaced by alternatives though they may be wisely and effectively used to complement dissection.

Keywords

• cadaver
• cardiac tamponade
• educational techniques
• teaching