Today, 3D Systems announced the release of a completely unique virtual reality training module for laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair. It’s available on 3D Systems’ LAP Mentor laparoscopic surgical simulator along with the firm’s RobotiX Mentor simulator for robotic processes.
Designed to shorten learning curves through realistic, hands-on virtual training, 3D Systems’ virtual reality TAPP inguinal hernia repair training module provides hyper-realistic anatomical surroundings for learning, practicing and repeating each step of the complicated procedure. The virtual reality module helps users find anatomical landmarks and crucial structures to the peritoneum incision as well as the dissection and direction of the hernia sac, providing interactive guidance along the way. The training module also prompts surgical decision-making and measures each user’s performance and critical thinking. The total medical procedure will be incorporated into the app after the peritoneal closure and mesh management procedures are finished being developed.
The healthcare community will no doubt be interested in 3D Systems’ attempt to improve medical training and better overall patient outcomes.
The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons reports that about 600,000 inguinal hernia repair surgeries are performed each year in the United States.
Hernia repair surgeries could benefit from more minimally invasive processes that are less painful, leave less scarring and speed up recovery. Conventional open operations are generally performed, which are painful and invasive by comparison.
The new strategy for TAPP inguinal hernia repair has been practiced on cadavers, and 3D Systems’ new TAPP inguinal hernia repair training module could prove to provide better training for surgeons and medical students, leading to better outcomes for hernia sufferers.
Kevin McAlea, chief operating officer of health care at 3D Systems, echoed this sentiment by saying, “Our extensive and growing offering of physical and virtual 3D health care options provides the skills and means for medical professionals to beat today’s challenges and advance the future of care. Each of our products that are targeted reacts to your need within the health care community and is the result of our close work and cooperation with medical experts. From educational training modules and simulation to patient-particular preoperative surgical planning and 3D-printed tools and implants, we're dedicated to improving 3D technology’s purpose in healthcare to improve the experiences and outcomes of professionals, students and patients.”
3D Systems’ end-to-end health alternatives will soon be available for hands-on demonstrations at the upcoming European Association for Endoscopic Surgery annual meeting (booth 76) on June 15 to 17 in Amsterdam and at the Society in Europe for Simulation Applied to Medicine annual meeting (booth EX30) on June 15 to 17, in Lisbon.