More than 350 professionals are trained in biomedical porcine model research at CREBA the center of the IRBLleida in 2018

Last year, 5 new projects were started in the facilities ―to investigate kidney disease, laparoscopic surgery for the repair of hernias and the treatment of aneurysms, among others.

The Center for Applied Experimental Biomedical Research (CREBA), integrated in the Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), has taught 33 courses in 2018, 15 of which are international. A total of 355 health professionals were trained last year in the biomedical research center in porcine model. Digestive Endoscopy, Principles of Vascular Surgery, Hepatic or Bariatric Surgery are some of the courses that have been taught.

Since 2016, CREBA has become a unique center in Catalonia that combines teaching activity with research. In 2018, 5 research projects were initiated in the swine model, in which CREBA has helped both in the transfer of facilities and equipment and in personnel. The services provided by CREBA personnel range from administrative, technical and veterinary support, to methodological advice. These projects which are led by IRBLleida researchers, but also by external researchers take advantage of the leading facilities to investigate kidney disease, laparoscopic surgery for the repair of hernias and the treatment of aneurysms, among others.

The center also carries out an important task of scientific dissemination for schools. Each year, visits are organized where students know first-hand what biomedical research in pigs consists of. Likewise, the facilities are also used for the free instruction of resident doctors or deputies, with the objective of carrying out tests or training exercises without necessarily having to be associated with a course or a regulated activity. In 2018 several activities of this type have been carried out: anesthesia, general surgery, thoracic surgery, gynecology, nephrology, cardiology and urology.

The CREBA, located in Torrelameu, is headed by the head of the Surgery Department of the Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital and head of the IRBLleida Research Group, Jorge J. Olsina Kissler. The technical director is Dolores C. García Olmo and the coordinator of surgical activities is Carmen Mias Carballal.

Text: Communication and Press IRBLleida