Professor Robert D. Acland was born on June 20, 1941, and died on January 6, 2015.

He was a surgeon.

Acland was academic credited with being one of the pioneers in plastic and reconstructive microsurgery.

Robert was the developer of one of the first microsurgical instruments, the Acland micro-vessel clamp, as well as the 10-0 nylon sutures and needles that are still used today.

The professor published the first edition of Acland’s Practice Manual for Microvascular Surgery, also known as the “Red Book”, a manual on microsurgical techniques (1997).

In 2008, the current edition was revised and is still an essential tool for any trainee in microsurgical techniques and fundamentals of surgical microscopes and their use.

Professor Acland was also a clinical anatomist and became a pioneer in the field of fresh tissue dissection.

He established and ran the Fresh Tissue Anatomy Dissection Laboratory for surgeons and students at the University of Louisville, from 1981 to 2011 which was the first of its kind in the United States, and is considered one of the best and most respected facilities in the world.

His published work consists of the comprehensive Video Atlas of Human Anatomy.

His work with video atlas depicts moving structures and pioneers new and highly effective techniques of anatomical videography for a clear three-dimensional understanding of spatial relationships.

However, the unique dynamic and 3-D perspective was achieved using innovative camera rotation techniques pioneered at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Robert D. Acland passed away at 74 yrs old.