Clinical evidence
All VirtaMed surgical simulators have been thoroughly validated, and new simulation validation studies are being conducted constantly. Validation studies have analyzed the benefits of virtual reality for surgical education, compared the performance of novices and experts, and proved the transfer of acquired skills to the operating room.
Validation of Virtual Reality Arthroscopy Simulator Relevance in Characterising Experienced Surgeons
Virtual reality (VR) simulation is particularly suitable for learning arthroscopy skills. Despite significant research, one drawback often outlined is the difficulty in distinguishing performance levels (Construct Validity) in experienced surgeons. Therefore, it seems adequate to search new methods of performance measurements using probe trajectories instead of commonly used metrics.
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 on Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate with 980 nm Diode Laser and Learning Curve of the Technique
The utility of a virtual reality simulator for training of the photoselective vaporization of the prostate with diode laser was studied.
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.
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.
- Technology & Instruments: Surgical Education & Skills Assessment/Ureteroscopy II Moderated Poster
Simulator Based Development of “Trans-Urethral Resection of Prostate” Skills and implementation of “Global Rating Scale” Evaluation System in Urology Postgraduate training
After the introduction of simulators in urology, education in urology has evolved significantly. Specially in endourology, development of Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) skills are shifted from “direct on patient” to simulator based learning. we evaluated the development of TURP procedure skills based on virtual reality simulator (VirtaMed | UroSim™) and assessment of skills based on Global Rating Scale (GRS) evaluation system.
- Poster presented at the World Congress of Endourology (WCE), Vancouver, September 2017
Evaluation of the educational value of a virtual reality TURP simulator according to a curriculum-based approach
This study aimed to evaluate the place of the TURPsim (VirtaMed) within a urologic residency training curriculum, including training needs analysis (TNA) and investigating its validity.