APPLICATIONS & USERS:

• Medical Schools
• Hospitals
• Medical Societies
• Military

Urology is a technically oriented field and learning opportunities for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), the current gold standard in the treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), are somewhat limited and the skills required to perform the procedure, difficult to learn and teach. Furthermore, the number of TURPS being done in residency may be inadequate to train the skills required to perform the procedure. METI^®’s virtual reality based SurgicalSIM TURP simulator was developed to train and assess the skills necessary to perform this procedure using a logical, step-bystep approach to skill development while also providing the performance tracking needed to objectively assess proficiency.

Initial studies have already shown the ability of this trainer to simulate the skills necessary to perform TURP and to be able to provide value in residency training. And a current U.S. Department of Health and Human Services R-03 grant is supporting a multi-institutional predictive validity study of this simulator’s ability to improve urology residents’ performance in the operating room. This project is centered at the University of Minnesota and is being performed in cooperation with the University of Washington, The University of Texas Southwestern, Western Ontario University, University of Iowa, The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, University of California–Irvine, and University of Wisconsin.

MEASURING PROFICIENCY OF SURGICAL SKILLS

The true educational value of the SurgicalSIM TURP comes from the open nature of the system that allows for experiential and multi-level training. Using this one system, a novice learner can progress to expert levels with clearly defined data that measures the learner’s progress every step of the way. In addition, the learner’s proficiency is measured during the exercises and can be dramatically improved with repeated practice, helping make the learner more effective and efficient as his or her competence increases. By compiling performance data over time, faculty can objectively assess the learner’s proficiency.

INCREASING PROFICIENCY AT EVERY LEVEL

NOVICE:
By following a structured curriculum and intensive training regimen targeting the key challenges in moving from open surgery to laparoscopy, the novice surgeon can move into the OR having skipped over the usual early frustrations.

INTERMEDIATE:
By following an adaptive regimen of training that is structured and based on their current performance in the OR, the learner can stay focused on his/her weaknesses in the skills lab to continuously improve their performance in the OR.

ADVANCED:
The SurgicalSIM TURP provides the practitioner with the opportunity to acquire advanced skills in a self-paced, self-directed environment. The real time feedback provides them with a measure of their progress and an objective comparison to the performance of their peers.

SPECIFICATIONS:

TASK APPROPRIATE INSTRUMENTATION

• Resection Handpiece And Scope With Magnetic Tracking
• Cutting/Coagulation Foot Pedal

SURGICALSIM® TURP Software Package

• Learning Objectives
• Key Surgical Concepts
• Tutorials
• Real & Simulated Educational Video Clips
• Surgical Anatomy-based Environment
• Error and Metrics-based After-Action Review
• Instructional Videos

EDUCATIONAL MODULES

• Anatomy Review
• Coagulation Rechniques
• Cutting Techniques
• Advanced Resection

SIMULATION HARDWARE PACKAGE

• Desktop Intel® Core™ Duo Processor Computer
• Adjustable 19-inch LCD Monitor
• Optical Tracking Mouse
• Keyboard
• Ergonomic, Height Adjustable Simulator Stand

SERVICES
-Engineering
-Research & Development
-System Integration
-Consulting
-Project Management
-Program Oversight
-Program Validation
-Software Development
-Systems Administration
-Traffic Engineering
-Geospecific Modeling
-Customized Training
-Simulator Upgrades