FAQ

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer based environment that simulates physical presence in 3 dimensions. Most current virtual reality environments are primarily visual experiences displayed on a computer screen.

Some advanced, haptic systems include tactile information,generally known as force feedback in medical, gaming and military applications.

What are the advantages of using Surgical Science medical simulators?

Surgical Science’ simulators offer clinicians the most realistic hands-on experience in medical training using surgical simulators to practice Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and interventional procedures, at no patient risk.

This state-of-the-art technology provides surgeons, interventionists, nurses and technicians with a robust platform to learn and master essential skills to ensure procedural efficiency and promote quality outcomes.

The user is able to practice skills and perform procedures until reaching the required proficiency level. Procedure scenarios are available for difficult and less common procedures as well, allowing the physician to experience and solve various situations during practice on the simulator prior to encountering them in live procedures. This maximizes consistency to optimize learning, providing a clear advantage over relying solely on available patient care opportunities.

What makes the PROcedure Rehearsal Studio different than other medical simulators?

Medical simulators are designed to meet training and education needs using a limited set of anatomies. Unlike general medicalsimulators, the PROcedure Rehearsal Studio allows clinicians to practice specific medical procedures based on their own patient’s CTA scans (Computed Tomography Angiography), in a virtual reality environment.

Practicing on patient specific anatomy may assist in the evaluation of endovascular treatment options,simplify procedure planning and increase the confidence of the surgical team in the real procedure. As a result, procedure time may shorten, which to the patient means less time undersedation, reduced exposure to radiation, and fewer complications and risks.

Is there any risk to the patient in rehearsing the patient specific anatomy with the simulator?

Not at all. The entire simulation is done in a complete virtual environment without patient presence.

Is this product considered a medical device?

The PROcedure Rehearsal Studio is a medical device which was cleared by the FDA for the purpose ofsimulating, analyzing and evaluating preoperative endovascular treatment options.

Does the patient need to undergo additional tests or special preparation to enable the physician to practice his / her specific procedure?

There is no need for any additional testing or preparation other than those routinely performed and suggested by the referring physician.

The patient’s CTA scan file is uploaded into the PROcedure Rehearsal Studio workstation. The system generates a simulation file which can then be analyzed and practiced unlimited times by the surgeon and medical team until they feel they have reached satisfactory procedure results and are ready to perform the live procedure.

What types of procedures are supported by the patient specific simulator?

The Procedure Rehearsal Studio supports Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR), Thoracic endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) and Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) simulated procedures.