Innovative training for new medical devices:

Conceptus discovers custom-made virtual reality simulation

VirtaMed AG developed a training module with custom branding for the Essure® permanent birth control system by Conceptus Inc. With the virtual reality simulator surgeons can train on the safe insertion of Essure® micro-insert into the fallopian tubes. This hands-on training convinces surgeons to include the easy procedure into their daily practice.

Since the world premiere of EssureSim™ at the ESGE congress in October 2009, over 500 training courses have been organized by Conceptus globally. Thousands of surgeons already practiced their skills on the new virtual reality training simulator. For Conceptus, this collaboration offers quality education for improved patient satisfaction.

Todd Sloan, Vice President Professional Marketing at Conceptus, knows about the benefits of a customized training: “Now that we have the EssureSim™ simulator, more physicians will try a first case because they get a realistic understanding of the procedure. Also, such cases will go better, smoother and quicker, resulting in more satisfying patient outcome and physician experience. 

Furthermore, physicians tend to use our tools more often as they know the correct handling – and we save a lot of money through reduced material costs for training and instruction time.”

Original Essure® handles adapted for virtual reality simulation

Conceptus has a need to train several thousands of gynecologists for the Essure® procedure, who are often not yet familiar with the underlying hysteroscopy skills. EssureSim™ offers exactly the type of hands-on training doctors need to gain this experience and assurance.

They learn how to use the angled optics, establish clear view and place the Essure® micro-inserts safely and efficiently. Most relevant complications such as distention difficulties, false passages and tubal resistance can be practiced without patient involvement.

“For the Essure® procedure, the patient is not under anesthesia, therefore a skilled approach is crucial. During the simulated procedure, a unique patient comfort scale aids in learning the optimal hysteroscopy skills suitable for an office based setting: The physician is well prepared for the real patient.”, says Nonni Letasse, Senior Director of Global Professional Education at Conceptus.


Left: Original picture from the OR - Right: Essure Virtual Reality Simulation

Competitive advantage in the endoscopic device market

As any other medical device manufacturer, Conceptus has to deal with tight competition. The EssureSim™ is not only used as training tool, but also as eye catcher on trade shows and at leading medical conferences – with custom branding on the simulation screen and on printed feedback reports.

Senior Event Specialist Kay Jensen experienced the impact of having the EssureSim™ at congresses and trade fairs: “A custom-made training tool is a magnet for surgeons.

More people visit our booth and stay to try out our procedure. They receive immediate hands-on training with the latest, innovative technology in hysteroscopic simulation and leave with a lasting positive impression of our company.”

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About Conceptus®, Inc. and the Essure® Procedure
Conceptus, Inc., based in Mountain View, California (Nasdaq: CPTS) is a leader in the design, development, and marketing of innovative solutions in women's healthcare. The Company manufactures and markets the Essure procedure, which is available in the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Middle East.

The Essure procedure, FDA approved since 2002, is the first permanent birth control method that can be performed in the comfort of a physician's office in less than 10 minutes (average hysteroscopic time) without hormones, cutting, burning or the risks associated with general anesthesia or tubal ligation. Soft, flexible inserts are placed in a woman's fallopian tubes through the cervix without incisions. Over the next three months, the body forms a natural barrier around and through the micro-inserts to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Three months after the Essure procedure, a doctor is able to perform an Essure Confirmation Test to confirm that the inserts are properly placed and the fallopian tubes are fully blocked, giving the patient reliance on Essure for permanent birth control. The Essure procedure is 99.95% effective based on one year of follow up with zero pregnancies reported in clinical trials, making it the most effective form of permanent birth control on the market. The procedure is covered by most insurance plans, and when it is performed in a doctor's office the cost to the patient may be as low as a simple co-pay. Essure has been proven and trusted by physicians since 2002, with nearly 500,000 women worldwide having undergone the Essure procedure.


VirtaMed AG – Realistic Simulators for Medical Education
VirtaMed is a Swiss company with an interdisciplinary background in medicine and engineering. Our mission is to develop state-of-the-art training tools for endoscopic surgery of highest possible realism, with the ultimate goal to improve the quality of patient care. VirtaMed’s virtual reality simulators provide instructional teaching and training of different diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic interventions. Today, many teaching institutions and medical device companies use VirtaMed’s simulators globally for education and hands-on training.