VirtaMed ArthroS™ – Arthroscopy Simulator

The VirtaMed ArthroS™ has been developed as a joint effort with medical experts from the Balgrist University Hospital and the ETH Zurich. It provides instructional teaching, training of diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy with the original endoscopic tools, and objective performance feedback.


Download the ArthroS™ Knee module features overview here 

 

  

Anatomic Knee Model Combined With Virtual Reality 

The anatomic knee model provides realistic tactile sensation. The platform combines the best of two worlds: The real haptic feeling of the knee model with the widespread possibilities of virtual reality simulation.

ArthroS™ Platform

 VirtaMed® Platform with Original Instruments

The anatomic knee model makes realistic haptic feedback possible - combined with varying virtual pathologies.

Original arthroscope and instruments provide a complete simulation experience and facilitate familiarization with instruments:

  • In- and outlet valves for fluid handling
  • 3 virtual cameras: 0º, 30º and 70º including focus wheel
  • Surgical tools such as a palpation hook, graspers, cutting punches, shavers and more
  • Anatomic knee model for realistic tactile sensation
  • High-end PC with 23” multi touch-screen, mouse and keyboard for best user experience
  • Movable display cart with height-adjustable screen

ArthroS™ Knee

 ArthroS™ Knee Training Software

  • 9 cases for basic skills training:
    ─ Guided triangulation
    ─ Diagnostic & therapeutic arthroscopies 
  • 8 patients for diagnostic arthroscopy
    ─ Meniscus lesions
    ─ Unhappy triad
    ─ Arthrosis grade I-III
  • 11 patients for therapeutic arthroscopy
    ─ Different meniscus lesions
    ─ Synovitial membrane inflammations
    ─ Loose body removal
  • Courses designed for beginners, intermediate trainees and advanced arthroscopists

 

 

Example Training Modules For Arthroscopic Training

Arthroscopy Basic Skills

Acquiring basic arthroscopic skills is not easy to do. It requires dedicated learning and many repetitions of the same interventions.

The new basic skill training on the ArthroS™ simulator makes climbing up the learning curve fun: Exercises such as "Catch the Stars" prepare for loose body removal. Ghost tools and colored regions show the trainee exactly how to perform a correct diagnostic tour of the knee.

Diagnostic Arthroscopy

8 patient cases with varying levels of difficulty offer the trainee the chance to perform complete diagnostic arthroscopic interventions.

The trainee can use the touch screen with mentoring options to highlight regions such as patella, meniscus or different ligaments.

Learning objectives:

  • Inspect the knee completely and describe visible lesions
  • Safely handle the instruments to avoid collisions with the tissue

Knee Lesions

The VirtaMed ArthroS™ features different virtual patients with knee lesions of varying levels of difficulty.

Cases include various pathologies such as meniscus lesions, loose bodies or arthrosis in different locations providing training for the first steps in operative arthroscopy.

Learning objectives:

  • Inspect the knee completely and describe visible lesions
  • Cut and shave out a region around the lesion
  • Grasp and remove the chips from the knee
  • Analyze and review the operation

Original Tools

 

 

The surgical simulator ArthroS™ allows surgeons to train arthroscopic interventions using a punch, shaver, hook, etc. 
The trainee uses original tools which are also used in the operating room.

The 11 patients include different meniscus lesions, synovitial membrane inflammations and loose body removal.

Learning objectives:

  • Learn the correct way to perform a diagnostic tour
  • Correctly handle instruments without causing trauma inside the knee
  • Detect and eliminate lesions / malformations in a safe, efficient manner