Surgical Illustrations

These surgical illustrations by freelance medical illustrator and anatomy professor Susan Decker depict detailed operative techniques and surgical anatomy across a range of specialties. Each image is designed to support surgical education, clinical communication, and publication. Designed to support:

  • Surgical training – clarifying procedural steps and anatomical relationships for students and professionals

  • Clinical reference – providing accurate visuals for surgical planning, documentation, and consultation

  • Patient education – illustrating procedures in a clear and approachable way to improve understanding and communication

Examples include illustrations of open and minimally invasive techniques, procedural sequences, and anatomical dissections—each created to convey precision, clarity, and clinical relevance.

Surgical Illustrations: Transplant, Vascular, and Orthopedic Procedures

Pancreas Transplant Surgery

Av Fistula Surgery

    Distal Radius Repair

- About These Illustrations -

  • Pancreas Transplant Surgery: Detailed surgical illustration showing the anatomical placement of a transplanted pancreas, including vascular connections to major arteries and veins. Designed for surgical education and patient understanding.

  • AV Fistula Surgery: Visualization of an arteriovenous fistula creation for dialysis, highlighting the surgical connection between artery and vein in the arm to establish reliable long-term access.

  • Distal Radius Repair: Step-by-step depiction of open reduction and internal fixation of a distal radius fracture using plates and screws, with attention to bone alignment and hardware placement.

Pediatric, Neurological & Obstetric Procedures

Pediatric Facial Surgery

Trigeminal Nerve Repair

Internal Uterine Massage

- About These Illustrations -

  • Pediatric Facial Surgery: Illustrates facial anatomy and reconstructive techniques used in pediatric facial surgery, emphasizing anatomical landmarks and surgical planning.

  • Trigeminal Nerve Repair: Microsurgical view of the trigeminal nerve and surrounding structures, demonstrating repair of nerve damage for pain relief or sensory restoration.

  • Internal Uterine Massage: Medical illustration showing the technique and purpose of internal uterine massage during postpartum care, with labeled anatomy of the uterus and supporting structures.

Neurological, Obstetric & Cardiac Procedures

Cardiac Valve Repair

Splenic Tumor Removal

Endoscopy and Peptic Ulcer

- About These Illustrations -

  • Trigeminal Nerve Repair: Microsurgical view of the trigeminal nerve and surrounding structures, demonstrating repair of nerve damage for pain relief or sensory restoration.

  • Internal Uterine Massage: Medical illustration showing the technique and purpose of internal uterine massage during postpartum care, with labeled anatomy of the uterus and supporting structures.

  • Cardiac Valve Repair: Detailed heart anatomy during valve repair, including surgical tools and the procedure used to restore function to a damaged cardiac valve.

Abdominal, Gastrointestinal & Transplant Surgery

Transplant Vessel Suturing

Gastric Bypass Surgery

        Blood Vessel Repair

- About These Illustrations -

  • Splenic Tumor Removal: Surgical approach to the removal of a splenic tumor, featuring surrounding abdominal anatomy and vascular considerations in a partial or total splenectomy.

  • Endoscopy and Peptic Ulcer: Endoscopic view of the upper GI tract showing a diagnosed peptic ulcer, used to explain both diagnostic and therapeutic techniques during endoscopy.

  • Transplant Vessel Suturing: Close-up surgical scene showing vascular suturing during an organ transplant, highlighting blood vessel structure and connection for perfusion.

Ophthalmic, Orthopedic & Cardiac Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery

Proximal Radius Repair

 Posterior Cardiac Valve Repair

- About These Illustrations -

  • LASIK Eye Surgery: Cross-sectional diagram of the eye during LASIK, showing creation of the corneal flap and laser reshaping of the corneal surface to correct vision.

  • Proximal Radius Bone Repair: Orthopedic surgical repair of a proximal radius fracture using internal fixation, showing alignment of bone fragments and placement of hardware.

  • Posterior Cardiac Valve Repair: Surgical exposure of the posterior heart region during valve reconstruction, illustrating valve structure, suture placement, and heart anatomy in detail.