Life in the MECCA Lab
The MECCA Lab allows trainees to practice surgical approaches and understand the anatomy prior to attempting to perform even simple procedures in the operating room. Bidirectional video feeds and multiple 3D screens create a modern surgical operatory setting and eliminate the need for students to physically gather around a proctor station. Instead, the feed from a central workstation can easily be broadcast to the entire room.
The MECCA Lab was specifically designed to accommodate several surgical specialties, including neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, plastic surgery, spine surgery and peripheral nerve surgery. The modular lab stations can be configured to support different approaches, depending on the educational goal.
Scenes From the Lab
Ali F. Krisht, M.D., with Franco DeMonte, M.D., at the 6th Annual Nicholson Lecture.
Trainees watch a live, 3D feed of the teaching station at center during the 6th Annual Nicholson Lecture.
Shaan Raza, M.D. looks on as two neurosurgery residents practice an approach to the cavernous sinus region.
Franco DeMonte, M.D., looks on as skull base fellow Peleg Horowitz, M.D., practices an approach.
Shaan Raza, M.D., demonstrates a surgical technique.
Senior residents practice during the 2015 CNS 3D Surgical Anatomy Course.
Participants wear glasses for a 3D lecture during the 2015 CNS 3D Surgical Anatomy Course.
Laurence Rhines, M.D., and Ganesh Rao, M.D., lead a spinal surgery training course.
3D screens are positioned throughout the lab to facilitate learning.
Franco DeMonte, M.D., with Carl Heilman, M.D., of Tufts Medical Center, at the 5th Annual Nicholson Lecture.
Carl Heilman, M.D., offers advice as trainees practice during the 5th Annual Nicholson Lecture.
Trainees and faculty were surprised to discover an unruptured brain aneurysm during a teaching course.
Ganesh Rao, M.D., watches the live feed on a monitor as trainees practice during a weekend course.
Jon Robertson, M.D., of The University of Tennessee, teaches students during the 2nd Annual Nicholson Lecture.
The lab can accommodate up to 17 stations fully equipped with the latest surgical technology.