Surgical Instrument Technician Specialist

Surgical Instruments

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• Recognize instruments used for laparoscopic, robotic, and general procedures
• Describe how to use instruments for reconstructive, orthopedic, neurosurgical, and cardiovascular procedures
• Examine instruments used for oral and ophthalmic procedures
• Recall how to set up and break down a surgical workspace
• Identify proper techniques for sanitization and sterilization

Human Anatomy

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• Define the basic anatomical terminology of the human body
• Recall the spine and trunk regions of the human body and their functions
• Recognize the thorax and the abdominal sections of the human body
• Identify the functions of the pelvis and lower limbs region of the body 

Better Interpersonal Communication

After completion of this course you should be able to:

• Recognize the basics and importance of verbal and nonverbal communication
• Identify steps associated with the learning process and how to improve your listening skills
• Recall types of personality styles and the perception process
• List styles of conflict and what contributes to it

Surgical Instruments

Surgical Instruments Module 1
Basic Instruments

• Care and Handling of Instruments
• Parts of an Instrument
• Instrument Categorization
• Instrument Sets
• Accessory Instruments
• Point of Use Decontamination
• Sterile Processing

Surgical Instruments Module 2      
Basic and General Instruments  

• Accessory Instruments
• Electrosurgical Pencil
• Forceps
• Scissors
• Intestinal Clamp
• Retractors

Surgical Instruments Module 3      
Laparoscopic and Robotic Instruments  

• Laparoscopic Cart
• Versa Step Trocars
• Lens Warmer
• Ligasure
• Endo Catch
• EndoWrist Tips
• Curved Scissors
• Cobra Grasper

Surgical Instruments Module 4    
Obstetrics and Genitourinary Instruments

• Leep Loop Electrode
• Cord Clamp
• Uterine Biopsy Curette
• Irrigation Tubing
• Telescope Bridge
• Working Element
• Ball Loop Electrode

Surgical Instruments Module 5  
Ophthalmic and Otorhinolaryngology Instruments  

• Tonometer
• Fox Eye Shield
• Castroviejo Caliper
• Irrigating Needle
• House Strut Caliper
• Billeau Ear Loop
• House Joint Knife

Surgical Instruments Module 6   
Oral and Reconstructive Instruments   

• Mouth Mirror
• Potts Elevator
• Crane Elevator
• Root Tip Pick
• Kelly Scissors
• McKissock Keyhole
• Dermatome
• Watson Skin Graft Knife

Surgical Instruments Module 7
Orthopedic, Neurosurgical, and Cardiovascular Instruments

• Depth Guage
• Mallet
• Townley Caliper
• Bone Cement System
• Raney Clip Applier
• Scalp Clip Gun
• Cushing Bipolar Forceps
• Endopath Thoracic Trocar

Surgical Instruments Module 8
 Operating Room Supplies and Surgical Setups

• Scrubs
• Shoe Covers
• Surgical Masks
• Eye Protection
• Surgical Setups

Surgical Instruments Module 9
Instrument Sterilization  

• Environmental Responsibility
• Operating Room Set Up and Break Down
• Assembly, Inspection, and Protection
• Instrument Staining
• Infection Prevention
• Transitioning from High-Level Disinfection to Sterilization for Semi-Critical Devices
• Safe Reprocessing of Robotic Instruments
• Off-Site Transportation
• HIPAA for Surgical Technicians

**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**

Human Anatomy

Human Anatomy Module 1
Terminology and the Head and Neck Region

Module one begins with an introduction of the study of movement and muscles. Beginning with basic anatomical terminology, module one reveals the meaning in a standard anatomical position.  Also included in this module is the study of musculoskeletal anatomy, the main focus is on muscles and the bones to which they attach. Finally, included in module one, is a study of the head and neck regions of the human body. 

• Anatomical Terminology
• Bones, Muscles, and Joints
• The Skull
• Base of the Skull and Its Attachments
• Muscles of the Face and Jaw
• Suspensory Muscles of the Larnyx
• The Tongue
• Muscles of the Palate
• Muscles of the Throat
• The Larynx

Human Anatomy Module 2
The Spine and Trunk Region

Module two covers the spine and truck regions of the human body, beginning with the anterior muscles of the cervical spine.  Moving on, we will take a close examination of the vertebrae of the spine, which forms the central support structure for the body.  After learning more about the spine, the study moves on with the supporting ligaments of the spine, and the muscles groups of the back and the layers connecting the pieces together.

• Anterior Muscles of the Cervical Spine
• The Vertebrae of the Spine
• The Spine and Its Supporting Ligaments
• Muscles of the Back: Deep Layers
• Muscles of the Back: Middle and Superficial Layers
• Muscles Attaching to the Front of the Spine

Human Anatomy Module 3
The Thorax, Abdomen, Shoulder Girdle and Upper Limb

Module three examines the thorax and the abdomen sections of the human body.  Beginning with the thorax and muscles of respiration, the module will continue on to learn more about the muscles of the abdomen and compare them to the muscles of the back. The rib cage as a whole is supported by various muscles.  Module three will carefully examine each of these suspensory muscle groups.  Also included in module three is the anatomy of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs.  We will study the muscles of the arm and shoulder, forearm, hand, and wrist.

• The Thorax and Muscles of Respiration
• The Abdominal Muscles
• Suspensory Muscles of the thorax
• The Spiral Musculature of the Trunk
• The Shoulder Girdle
• Muscles of the Arm and Shoulder
• Muscles of the Forearm
• Muscles of the Hand and Wrist
• Intrinsic Muscles of the Hand

Human Anatomy Module 4
The Pelvis and Lower Limb

Module four takes a look at the pelvis and lower limb.  Beginning with the pelvic girdle, the study will move on to the muscles of the pelvis and hip.  The pelvis plays a crucial role in posture and movement and it is important to learn about the support structure for the legs. The muscles of the upper leg and their groups and purpose will be examined in module four, as well as, the knee, lower leg, and ankle. Finally examined in module four is the muscles of the foot. 

• The Pelvic Girdle
• Muscles of the Pelvis and Hip
• Muscles of the Thigh
• The Knee, Lower Leg, and Ankle
• Muscles of the Ankle and Foot
• Intrinsic Muscles of the Foot

Better Interpersonal Communication

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 1
Introduction to Communication

Because it’s such a commonplace activity, we usually don’t think about how we communicate too much. However, the power of effective, persuasive communication should never be underestimated. Your success in any number of settings—in your relationships, in school, on the job, and as a member of society— hinges on your ability to master the full communication process. Our first module discusses the basics of verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as uses and misuses.

• Why We Communicate
• Verbal Communication
• Nonverbal Communication
• Uses and Misuses
• Cultural Differences and Language

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 2
Listening, Self-Esteem, and Self-Disclosure

Listening is the learned process of hearing, attending, evaluating, retaining, and responding to verbal and nonverbal messages. In this module we will learn more about each stage of the listening process: review both the benefits to listening, as well as the challenges to effective listening; and explore the ways in which you can improve your listening skills. We’ll also discuss the principles behind self-concepts and self-disclosure.

• Listening Process
• Benefits to Listening
• Steps for Improving Your Listening Skills
• Self-Concepts
• Self-Disclosure

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 3
Personality Styles and Perception

Do you notice that you act in different ways around certain people? Perhaps you act inhibited around your supervisor, but you wish you could act confident like you do around your co-workers and other colleagues. In other situations, you act polite and deferential around acquaintances, but may wish you could act more sociable like you do around your friends. In this module, we’ll discuss how personality styles effect communication as well as the perception process. Finally, we’ll explore the basics behind defense mechanisms.

• How Does Personality Style Effect Communication?
• Physiological and Psychological Factors of Perception
• Challenges to the Perception Process
• What is Defensiveness?
• Defense Mechanisms

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 4  
Conflict and Electronic Communication

Interpersonal conflict occurs in interactions where there are real or perceived incompatible goals, scarce resources, or opposing viewpoints. We’ll discuss types of conflict and conflict styles in our final module, as well as characteristics of electronic communication.

• What is Conflict and What Contributes to It?
• Types of Conflict
• Conflict Styles
• What is Electronic Communication?
• Characteristics and Misuses of Electronic Communication

Internet Connection

• Broadband or High-Speed - DSL, Cable, and Wireless Connections

*Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Classroom pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.

Hardware Requirements

• Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
• Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended

PC Software Requirements

• Operating Systems - Windows 7 or higher
• Microsoft Office 2013 or higher. Also, you could use a general Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
  • Cookies MUST be enabled
  • Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• The Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
• PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)

• Adobe PDF Reader

• QuickTime, Windows Media Player &/or Real Player

MAC Software Requirements

• Operating Systems - Mac OS x 10 or higher with Windows
• Mac office programs or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers- Google Chrome is highly recommended
  • Cookies MUST be enabled
  • Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• The Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
• PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
• Adobe PDF Reader
• Apple QuickTime Media Player