VirtaMed :: Hologic, Inc. Enhances Physician Training with Virtual Reality Simulation

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Hologic, Inc. Enhances Physician Training with Virtual Reality Simulation

November 11, 2013

Marlborough, USA and Zurich, Switzerland: State-of-the-art surgical education was the goal of a collaboration between US-based Hologic, Inc. and the Swiss company VirtaMed. The result is a virtual reality simulator for innovative training of the MyoSure® procedure, an incision-less system for removal of intrauterine tissue. The simulation program is very successful: so far, more than 2’000 physicians have been trained, and the numbers are increasing rapidly. In January 2014, the simulator fleet will grow to 23 units.

In 2011, Hologic decided to work with the Swiss company VirtaMed to develop a virtual reality simulator for the newly launched MyoSure® procedure. “VirtaMed is the only company worldwide with extensive experience in virtual hysteroscopic simulation. It only made sense to partner with them for our ambitious project, to take MyoSure® education to the next level”, explains Brittany Minichiello, Senior Associate Manager Medical Education at Hologic and lead of the simulation program.

The result of this collaboration has been a remarkable success: Since the inception of the program in 2012, it has been showcased at numerous society meetings including ACOG (national and district meetings), AAGL, and many others. “It is an innovative technology that offers hands-on training to physicians, OR staff, and residents alike. We have provided this training tool to countless residency programs including MGH, Tufts, Morehouse, University of Pennsylvania, WSU, University of Mississippi, Memorial Medical Center, Northwestern, and so on. I feel that the GyneSim virtual simulator is a valuable asset in surgical education”, adds Brittany Minichiello.

Dr. Edward Evantash, Vice President Medical Affairs and Medical Director at Hologic knows about the advantages of simulation training over traditional surgical training: "There is increasing evidence that the use of simulation for the training of surgeons is preferable to traditional OR training methods on actual patients and may reduce the risk to patients as well as overall costs. Virtual training has been shown to be beneficial for both the novice surgeon and for advancing or maintaining the skills of even the experienced surgeon."

Also from a marketing and sales standpoint Hologic has gained a powerful tool. Of the accounts that participated in a GyneSim training and ordered the MyoSure® system, there was a 97% increase in the average monthly sales per account and an increase of 246% in the average total sales per account post-program participation. MyoSure® device revenue from these accounts increased 246% post-participation in a simulator training program. “Our GyneSim virtual simulator program is a huge success and has been a contributing factor to the successful adoption and growth of the MyoSure® product line. We will grow our simulator fleet to 23 GyneSims by January 2014 to develop this program even further”, states Chris Gilbert, Senior Director of Hologic’s GYN Surgical Marketing group.

“Hologic is best-in class for physician training and education. We are excited to work with such a dedicated company and will continue to do everything we can to provide the best possible training solutions”, says VirtaMed’s CEO Dr. Stefan Tuchschmid. “The program is of course a nice success story for our company. However, much more importantly we are proud to play a part in Hologic’s journey to serve the healthcare needs of millions of women globally.”

Contact
Asta Breitenmoser
Marketing Director
breitenmoser@virtamed.com
Tel: +41.44.500.96.91
Mobile: +41.78.943.96.91

VirtaMed AG - Rütistrasse 12 - 8952 Schlieren, Zurich - Switzerland - www.virtamed.com

About Hologic, Inc.
Hologic, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostic products, medical imaging systems, and surgical products, with an emphasis on serving the healthcare needs of women. The Company operates four core business units focused on breast health, diagnostics, GYN surgical and skeletal health. With a comprehensive suite of technologies and a robust research and development program, Hologic is committed to improving lives. The Company is headquartered in Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.hologic.com.

About the MyoSure® procedure
The MyoSure® procedure is a new and innovative treatment that enables incision-less, fast removal of fibroids and polyps as well as providing effective relief from abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). MyoSure® is an ideal treatment option for women of all ages seeking to preserve their childbearing ability.

About VirtaMed AG
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, all 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. The simulator family includes HystSim™ for hysteroscopic interventions, TURPSim™ for prostate resection and bladder tumors, ArthroS™ for knee and shoulder arthroscopy and PelvicSim™ for IUD insertion and hysteroscopy. Teaching institutions and medical device companies use VirtaMed’s simulators globally for education and hands-on training. For more information on upcoming events and demo opportunities please visitwww.virtamed.com.