Memic develops VR simulation for surgical robotics training
VirtaMed and Memic Innovative Surgery are jointly developing virtual reality simulators for surgeons learning to work with the Memic Hominis surgical system.
Under the terms of the partnership, the two companies will develop an abstract training program in which surgeons will practice on virtual reality consoles with kinematic feedback to use the Hominis system in transvaginal gynecological procedures.
The Hominis surgical robot, which received FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) clearance in February 2021, is equipped with small robotic arms that include shoulder, elbow and wrist joints to provide human-level dexterity and 360-degree articulation.
The surgical robotic system is indicated for laparoscopically assisted transvaginal benign gynecological procedures performed through natural orifices in a single site, including benign hysterectomy.
Memic expects the simulator program to be ready for real-world use by the end of 2022.
“Before entering the operating room, it is important that surgeons performing any procedure, including transvaginal robotic operations, are fully confident in their abilities. Training programs that include simulation offer significant benefits in improving competence and confidence, as well as refining the skills needed to perform the procedure. They also help surgeons gain a full understanding of how the instruments and technologies they plan to use work”
Tel Aviv-based Memic plans to become publicly traded through a merger with SPAC MedTech Acquisition Corporation. Memic also raised $96 million in Series D funding in April 2021.
“We are pleased to work with VirtaMed, whose 15 years of experience providing training solutions for minimally invasive transvaginal surgery will be invaluable as we work to integrate skills-based simulation into the skills development path for surgeons using our Hominis system”
The goal of the new simulation program is to provide standardized, quantifiable training that supports effective surgeon learning, delivering skills-based training that will measure and reflect all aspects of real surgery.
The program will be implemented as part of Memic's ongoing skills development path, which offers surgeons individualized, holistic and comprehensive training and education to acquire the technical skills needed to successfully perform operations with Hominis, through programs including product demonstrations, workshops, skills training, lab visits, case observation, webinars and lectures.
“The comprehensive skills development path for Hominis is impressive and demonstrates Memic's significant commitment to professional education, and represents our shared vision of offering surgeon training and education beyond the operating room, in addition to real-world operating room experience, to improve surgical technique and patient outcomes. We are excited to apply our technology expertise to robotics for the first time and to be able to offer Hominis users procedural simulation in gynecology in the coming years”
In January 2022, the first three U.S. medical facilities acquired Hominis robotic surgical systems. These facilities are Kendall Regional Medical Center at HCA Florida Healthcare, AdventHealth Celebration, and the Women's Hospital at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
VirtaMed believes medical education is effectively delivered through data-driven simulation solutions. Since 2007, the company has been developing advanced training solutions for training beyond the operating room, because it believes medical professionals should never have to perform a procedure on a patient for the first time. VirtaMed simulators provide the most realistic and cost-effective training for surgeons, including gynecologists.
Founded in 2013 and based in Tel Aviv, Memic, with a subsidiary based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a medical device company transforming surgery with its proprietary surgical robotic technology.
The Memic Hominis surgical platform will be sold at a significantly lower price than other commercially available robotic surgery systems, potentially enabling more medical facilities, including hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, to access and adopt surgical robotics. In addition to current transvaginal applications, Memic continues to develop the technology to explore its use in single- and multi-port abdominal surgery, as well as other transluminal indications.
