Numerous medical training institutions find that integrating laparoscopic simulation into their curriculum both improves training outcomes and ultimately supports better patient care. Benefit from VirtaMed’s decades of experience and expertise in laparoscopy training and education.
Prof. Dieter Hahnloser, Head Physician Visceral Surgery, CHUV Lausanne, Switzerland
Start with patient safety
Training cases begin by learning the key preparation steps including how to position the patient and choosing the right positions of the trocars. Place your trainees around the abdomen and have them practice key skills with fully mobile surgical instruments in realistic anatomical environments.
Innovative training concept
The General Surgery module teaches transferable skills in a highly realistic anatomic environment. Trainees are motivated for better training outcomes using repetition of short sequences and performance-based proficiency assessments, all based on validated peer-reviewed publications.
Teach key skills
Trainees learn key skills required to become laparoscopic surgeons, including instrument triangulation and bimanual coordination, anatomy identification, performing different dissection techniques, safe clipping and cutting, complication handling and more. All of these within training scenarios derived from Cholecystectomy, Appendectomy and Incisional Hernia procedures.
Complete visualization
Use the laparoscope to visualize the entire insufflated female abdomen, including the gravitational movement of organs. Safely introduce trocars and palpate vessels and organs, and expose structures by using electrosurgical instruments.
VirtaMed laparoscopic platform
VirtaMed LaparoS™ includes an anatomically correct abdomen model that can be used for (reverse) Trendelenburg positioning as appropriate to the training case. Free choice of portals enables trainees to learn instrument handling with different trocar placement. Realistic laparoscopic instruments have been adapted for simulation and combine full freedom of movement with authentic haptic interactions. The simulator is optimized for ergonomic training with an adjustable operative height and a movable multi-touch screen.
VirtaMed LaparoS™ is a multidisciplinary platform, allowing you to rapidly switch between laparoscopy and further VirtaMed modules and anatomies: GynoS™, UroS™ and ArthroS™.
Support
We offer several different levels of service and support packages tailored specifically to the needs of hospitals and training centers. These can provide you with completed coverage (and peace of mind) when it comes to protecting your investment and getting the most out of your simulator. More about VirtaMed customer service and support
VirtaMed Connect™
Keep your focus on education with remote access; conveniently assign courses and manage curricula, and motivate students with online leader boards, all from the convenience of your office.
Connect lets you track student and cohort progress, helping you easily coach students on key areas for improvement and capture and compare student results over time.
Use Connect to scale simulation to your needs. Because it is cloud-based, Connect can help you easily manage multi-simulator or multi-site training programs.
Go to the Connect FAQs webpage
Download the VirtaMed Connect Factsheet
Training & Education
Our T&E team is here to help you get the most out of your simulator. In addition to introductory sessions, the T&E team offers in-depth training in a variety of areas and in multiple languages (English, German, French, Italian and Chinese). The T&E team can organize trainings that are as diverse as our customers, catering to groups of all sizes and interests. For example, they have helped customers develop courses for trainees preparing for the European board exam or the Swiss Orthopedic exam as well as courses for experienced professionals looking to train on the less-common joints such as the ankle. More about the VirtaMed Training & Education services
Evaluation of a virtual-reality-based simulator using passive haptic feedback for knee arthroscopy
Sandro F. Fucentese, Stefan Rahm, Karl Wieser, Jonas Spillmann, Matthias Harders, Peter P. Koch
Simulator training in orthopaedics is still in its infancy. The aim of this study is to determine face and construct validity of a new virtual reality simulator (VirtaMed ArthroS™) for diagnostic and therapeutic knee arthroscopy by analysis of simulator metrics of participants with varying arthroscopy experience.Virtual reality simulator for training urologists on transurethral prostatectomy
ZHU He, ZHANG Yi, LIU Jin-shun, WANG Gang, YU Cheng-fan and NA Yan-qun
As a new method of training on transurethral prostatectomy skills, training of TURP using a virtual simulator can help urologists improve their surgical skills and safety. Therefore, the application of the TURPSim™ system in education and training of urologic surgery is warranted.Reference Center Würzburg, Germany
As the very first hospital in Germany, König-Ludwig-Haus uses the arthroscopy simulator VirtaMed ArthroS™ for the education of resident physicians. The simulator is an inherent part of the curriculum and receives positive feedback from young surgeons. Dr. Stephan Reppenhagen also perceives a positive effect on the learning curve of young physicians, way before their first guided procedure in the operating room.
Reference Center University of Utah, USA
The University of Utah wanted to enhance surgical education in the orthopedic department. The goal is simply to use the latest educational means available for the training of young surgeons, i.e. virtual reality simulators. After comparing the different simulators currently on the market and their training abilities, the decision was clear. Watch the video below and see why Dr. Burks of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery prefers the VirtaMed ArthroS™ arthroscopy simulator over other training tools.
Reference Center HELIOS hospital group, Germany
The HELIOS Hospital Group consists of 110 acute and rehabilitation facilities with about 34.000 beds and more than 69.000 employees. The departments for urology and gynecology train a large group of residents each year until they complete their education as medical specialists. In 2011, HELIOS included VirtaMed's virtual reality simulators into their standard curriculum for residents in training. E.g. in each urology department, a simulator is placed at the disposal of each clinic for six weeks each year. During this time, the head physician conducts a training program. In his or her first year, every surgeon who wants to conduct transurethral resection has to perform 50 documented procedures on the simulators.
Face validity, construct validity and training benefits of a virtual reality TURP simulator
Elizabeth Bright*, Samuel Vine, Mark R. Wilson, Rich S.W. Masters, John S. McGrath
Virtual reality (VR) surgical simulators provide repetitive practice and performance feedback without requiring supervision in a safe environment. Simulators have the potential to shorten the learning curve for complex surgical procedures, create skills which transfer to the operating room and therefore decrease the incidence of future complications. Experts resected a significantly greater percentage of prostate per minute [...] and had significantly less active diathermy time without tissue contact [...] than novices.Visual Control Strategies of Surgeons: A Novel Method of Establishing the Construct Validity of a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Surgical Simulator
Elizabeth Bright, Samuel J. Vine, Thomas Dutton, Mark R. Wilson, John S. McGrath
Significant differences between experts and novices in both performance and visual control strategy were observed. The study of visual control strategies may be a useful adjunct, alongside measurements of motor performance, providing a novel method of assessing the construct validity of surgical simulators.Learning effects using a TURP simulator: Assessing changes in visual control and performance
Samuel Vine, Thomas Dutton, Mark Wilson, Elizabeth Bright, John McGrath
Surgical simulators afford trainees the chance to practice skills in a safe environment and without the need for supervision. Although they have been proposed to shorten the learning curve for complex surgical skills, there is concern that they do not prepare trainees for the demanding conditions of the operating room. Research in skill learning (including surgical skills) has shown that experts and novices can be distinguished by differences in their visual control strategies, with experts using fewer fixations of a longer duration. The aim of this study was to assess the learning benefits of a TURP simulator by examining, not only changes in novice performance, but also changes in their visual control.Preliminary Experience with Virtual Reality Simulation vs. Animal Model for Hysteroscopic Myomectomy Training
L.R. Glazerman, S.R. Hart, M. Bajka, D. Fink, R.R. Bassaly
The HystSim™ Virtual Reality hysteroscopic trainer was felt to be at least equal to the ‘‘gold standard’’ pig bladder model for training in hysteroscopic myomectomy with the additional advantages of reproducibility and measurement of results. Further studies comparing modalities and relating results to operating room performance are warranted.Establishing Construct Validity of a Virtual-Reality Training Simulator for hysteroscopy via a Multimetric Scoring System
PD Dr. med. Michael Bajka, Dr. Stefan Tuchschmid, Daniel Fink, Prof. Dr. Gabor Szekely, PD Dr. Matthias Harders
The aims of this study are to determine construct validity for the HystSim™ virtual reality (VR) training simulator for hysteroscopy via a new multimetric scoring system (MMSS) and to explore learning curves for both novices and experienced surgeons.Evaluation of a New Virtual-Reality Training Simulator for Hysteroscopy
PD Dr. med. Michael Bajka, Dr. Stefan Tuchschmid, Daniel Fink, Prof. Dr. Gabor Szekely, PD Dr. Matthias Harders
Face validity has been established for a new hysteroscopic surgery simulator. Potential trainees and trainers assess it to be a realistic and useful tool for the training of hysteroscopy. Further systematic validation studies are needed to clarify how this system can be optimally integrated into the gynecological curriculum.News
VirtaMed constantly expands its surgical simulator portfolio for medical training. Find out about the future of surgical education - What comes next?VirtaMed News
VirtaMed constantly expands its surgical simulator portfolio for medical training. Find out about the future of surgical education - What comes next?Evaluation of a virtual-reality-based simulator using passive haptic feedback for knee arthroscopy
Simulator training in orthopaedics is still in its infancy. The aim of this study is to determine face and construct validity of a new virtual reality simulator (VirtaMed ArthroS™) for diagnostic and therapeutic knee arthroscopy by analysis of simulator metrics of participants with varying arthroscopy experience.Virtual reality simulator for training urologists on transurethral prostatectomy
As a new method of training on transurethral prostatectomy skills, training of TURP using a virtual simulator can help urologists improve their surgical skills and safety. Therefore, the application of the TURPSim™ system in education and training of urologic surgery is warranted.Our history
The VirtaMed story summarizes the most important milestones in the history of the young company: new simulators, new clients, and a growing team.Team
The VirtaMed team consists of very talented people with bright minds, brilliant ideas and fast implementation skills.Advisers
Since the foundation of VirtaMed in 2007, many experienced people with knowhow in various business and medical fields have given us precious advice.Career
Do you want to be part of a brilliant, dynamic team and see how your ideas turn into reality? If so, simply check out the open positions at VirtaMed!Customer support
Do you have questions about our simulators? Does something not work the way it is supposed to be? Or do you need assistance on the handling of your VirtaMed simulator? Please just let us know.Reference Center Würzburg, Germany
As the very first hospital in Germany, König-Ludwig-Haus uses the arthroscopy simulator VirtaMed ArthroS™ for the education of resident physicians. The simulator is an inherent part of the curriculum and receives positive feedback from young surgeons. Dr. Stephan Reppenhagen also perceives a positive effect on the learning curve of young physicians, way before their first guided procedure in the operating room.
Reference Center University of Utah, USA
The University of Utah wanted to enhance surgical education in the orthopedic department. The goal is simply to use the latest educational means available for the training of young surgeons, i.e. virtual reality simulators. After comparing the different simulators currently on the market and their training abilities, the decision was clear. Watch the video below and see why Dr. Burks of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery prefers the VirtaMed ArthroS™ arthroscopy simulator over other training tools.
Reference Center HELIOS hospital group, Germany
The HELIOS Hospital Group consists of 110 acute and rehabilitation facilities with about 34.000 beds and more than 69.000 employees. The departments for urology and gynecology train a large group of residents each year until they complete their education as medical specialists. In 2011, HELIOS included VirtaMed's virtual reality simulators into their standard curriculum for residents in training. E.g. in each urology department, a simulator is placed at the disposal of each clinic for six weeks each year. During this time, the head physician conducts a training program. In his or her first year, every surgeon who wants to conduct transurethral resection has to perform 50 documented procedures on the simulators.
Face validity, construct validity and training benefits of a virtual reality TURP simulator
Virtual reality (VR) surgical simulators provide repetitive practice and performance feedback without requiring supervision in a safe environment. Simulators have the potential to shorten the learning curve for complex surgical procedures, create skills which transfer to the operating room and therefore decrease the incidence of future complications. Experts resected a significantly greater percentage of prostate per minute [...] and had significantly less active diathermy time without tissue contact [...] than novices.Visual Control Strategies of Surgeons: A Novel Method of Establishing the Construct Validity of a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Surgical Simulator
Significant differences between experts and novices in both performance and visual control strategy were observed. The study of visual control strategies may be a useful adjunct, alongside measurements of motor performance, providing a novel method of assessing the construct validity of surgical simulators.Learning effects using a TURP simulator: Assessing changes in visual control and performance
Surgical simulators afford trainees the chance to practice skills in a safe environment and without the need for supervision. Although they have been proposed to shorten the learning curve for complex surgical skills, there is concern that they do not prepare trainees for the demanding conditions of the operating room. Research in skill learning (including surgical skills) has shown that experts and novices can be distinguished by differences in their visual control strategies, with experts using fewer fixations of a longer duration. The aim of this study was to assess the learning benefits of a TURP simulator by examining, not only changes in novice performance, but also changes in their visual control.Preliminary Experience with Virtual Reality Simulation vs. Animal Model for Hysteroscopic Myomectomy Training
The HystSim™ Virtual Reality hysteroscopic trainer was felt to be at least equal to the ‘‘gold standard’’ pig bladder model for training in hysteroscopic myomectomy with the additional advantages of reproducibility and measurement of results. Further studies comparing modalities and relating results to operating room performance are warranted.Establishing Construct Validity of a Virtual-Reality Training Simulator for hysteroscopy via a Multimetric Scoring System
The aims of this study are to determine construct validity for the HystSim™ virtual reality (VR) training simulator for hysteroscopy via a new multimetric scoring system (MMSS) and to explore learning curves for both novices and experienced surgeons.Evaluation of a New Virtual-Reality Training Simulator for Hysteroscopy
Face validity has been established for a new hysteroscopic surgery simulator. Potential trainees and trainers assess it to be a realistic and useful tool for the training of hysteroscopy. Further systematic validation studies are needed to clarify how this system can be optimally integrated into the gynecological curriculum.VirtaMed @ World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery 2021
November 24, 2021 - November 27, 2021
Visit the VirtaMed booth at the 17th IFSES World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery in conjunction with the 29th International Congress of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) and incorporating the 16th Meeting of the section of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Technological Innovation of the Spanish Association of Surgery in Barcelona, Spain.