Spectrum Health Using Virtual Reality to Train Surgeons

Virtual Simulator Used for Training on da Vinci Robot

Spectrum Health is using virtual reality to determine if the process of learning robotic surgery can be improved using a high tech approach. Approximately 40 Spectrum Health surgeons are participating in a research project with a one-of-a-kind simulator to see if it accelerates their ability to use a surgical robot.

A virtual reality simulator for the da Vinci® Surgical System console is intended to train surgeons in da vinci robotic skills using an immersive three-dimensional computer simulation of the robotic instruments. This new system is unique among robotic surgery simulators because it allows the surgeon to train on the same console used in actual surgeries. The simulator features a suite of tutorials designed to test users on a wide range of technical skills that surgeons might apply during robotic surgery.

Obstetric and gynecological surgeons Stephen Rechner, MD, and Michael Werkema, MD, are the principal investigators in this research collaboration. They will examine the effectiveness of virtual training with participating surgeons. They also are program directors of the OB/GYN residency program at Spectrum Health and physicians with West Michigan OB/GYN.

“We appreciate the da Vinci manufacturer providing us with its first simulator and working with us to test the effectiveness of this kind of training,” said Rechner. “This opportunity has been well received among our surgeons looking to develop or improve their robotic skills. Surgeons will be able to participate in robotic tutorials on a number of different procedures. We’re looking forward to see how this affects the learning curve.”

Spectrum Health’s validation study will focus on the following areas: face validity, content validity and construct validity:

Face validity addresses whether users report that the simulated environment feels realistic. Data for establishing face validity will be based on how participating surgeons rate the realism of the simulated visual field, instrument movement and instrument precision.
Content validity addresses whether expert robotic surgeons believe simulator content is sufficient for training. To determine content validity, surgeons experienced in robotic surgery will provide feedback on whether each simulator exercise could improve the robotic skills and confidence of novice surgeons.
Construct validity determines whether the simulator’s assessment of competence differentiates between novice and experienced robotic surgeons. Analysis of construct validity will be based on performance scores from novice and experienced surgeons on a variety of simulated tasks.

“Training, practice and experience are keys to becoming proficient in robotic surgery,” said Werkema. “Developing those keys can be challenging because our surgical robots are used for actual surgical cases. This virtual reality technology could be an important step in preparing surgeons for robotic surgery.”

The da Vinci Surgical System and the console simulator are developed by Intuitive Surgical Inc. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is a leader in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery. The company’s da Vinci Surgical System offers surgeons improved visualization, enhanced dexterity and greater precision compared to traditional surgical approaches. More than 500,000 patients worldwide affected by a range of conditions have had a da Vinci procedure. The da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform complex procedures such as open-heart surgery through 1-2 cm incisions.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, a collection of eight hospitals and more than 140 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group, mmpc® and West Michigan Heart—physician groups totaling more than 500 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 580,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 16,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care. The organization provided $79.4 million in community benefit during its 2009 fiscal year. In 2010, Spectrum Health was named a Top 10 Health System by Thomson Reuters.