VirtaMed HystSim™ – Hysteroscopy Simulator

The VirtaMed HystSim™ system provides instructional teaching, training of diagnostic and therapeutic hysteroscopy with the original resectoscope, and objective performance feedback.

Download the HystSim™ features overview here

Didactic Tutorials for Every Hysteroscopic Procedure

VirtaMed HystSim™ provides the entire curriculum for diagnostic as well as therapeutic hysteroscopy and is not limited to basic skills training.

For best learning success, the training of complete virtual interventions is supplemented with practical teaching tutorials.

Diagnostic tutorials give lessons on anatomy / pathologies and instruments and Therapeutic tutorials on recommended handling and reaction to hazards.

Surgical Training Modules for Hysteroscopy

Diagnostic Hysteroscopy

The main object is to establish and maintain clear view and to visualize the entire cavity with safe use of the angled optics and correct fluid handling.

Automatic feedback includes the intervention time, fluid consumption and an overview of the visualized uterine surface.

Polypectomy

Training for the removal of pathologies is provided to practice an essential part of therapeutic hysteroscopy.

Scenes with small polyps offer a good opportunity to gain first experience with the cutting loop.

Myomectomy

Different virtual patients with one or many submucosal fibroids are provided for the safe teaching of hysteroscopic myomectomy with the loop electrode.

Feedback includes a safety score and the percentage of myoma resected.

Endometrium Ablation

Endometrium ablation with the rollerball is an excellent exercise for the handling of electro surgery in the entire cavity.

At the end of the intervention, precise feedback about the coagulated surface is provided.

Add-on Modules for HystSim: Basic & Advanced

Essential Skills Module

The Essential Skills Module teaches the basic concepts needed for hysteroscopic procedures.

Distention of the uterine cavity can be learned, as well as safe navigation, correct biopsy or the removal of polyps with scissors or grasper and synechiae.

Advanced Hysteroscopy

The Advanced Hysteroscopy Module has been designed for experienced hysteroscopists.

Multiple pathologies in one patient, intramural myoma and also a huge septum challenge the trainee.

Emergency Scenarios for All Relevant Complications

Training in virtual reality offers the chance to exercise not only general interventions but also very special cases and complications.

Emergency scenarios can either be triggered by an action of the trainee or remotely by the trainer on the controlling terminal. VirtaMed HystSim™ is able to simulate all relevant complications in hysteroscopy.

Bleeding during Myomectomy

Establishing and maintaining clear view is an essential challenge in hysteroscopic surgery.

The handling of the in- and out-valve as well as the detection and coagulation of bleeding sources can be safely trained.

Perforation

Perforation of the uterine cavity is one of the most common complications in hysteroscopy.

Once a perforation occurs, the cavity cannot be established anymore and the trainee is required to terminate the intervention.

Fluid overload

VirtaMed HystSim™ records dozens of important parameters during each virtual reality intervention. This allows to exactly measure the amount of fluid loss.

Combined with the virtual patient's physiological data, fluid overload is detected. Therefore, HystSim™ also allows stress training and decision making for advanced trainees ("30 minutes and 500 ml distention fluid lost, one more myoma to remove, stop or go?").

Objective Feedback for Best Learning Results

For the structured learning of surgical skills, objective feedback is crucial. Virtual reality simulators can be used for the assessment of surgical skills and have been reported to be superior to traditional methods such as direct observation, animal models, videotapes, and procedure logs in terms of reliability and validity.

Visualization depicts which parts of the uterine surface have been visualized.
Ergonomy measures efficiency parameters such as the intervention time or length of the camera path.
Safety provides error metrics in case of wall collisions or perforations.
Fluid handling scores the ability to get a clear view with minimal fluid consumption.

The objective feedback including scores, images and movies is archived and therefore always accessible to both trainee and trainer.

The movie of the complete intervention can be replayed for discussion and review.

Facts & Figures

VirtaMed® Platform

An adapted, original resectoscope is used to provide a complete simulation experience and to facilitate familiarization with instruments. As in real life, the resectoscope features:
- In- and outlet valves for fluid handling
- Three virtual cameras: 0º, 12º and 30º including focus wheel
- Working element for electro surgery
Foot pedals for electrosurgical cutting and coagulation in simulated procedures
Patient replacement robot with or without force feedback
High-end PC with 2 screens and monitor stand
Mouse and keyboard
Height-adjustable display cart

Training Software

VirtaMed HystSim™ training software

12 virtual patients for diagnostic procedures
8 virtual patients for polyp removal
8 virtual patients for myomectomy
4 virtual patients for endometrium ablation with the rollerball

VirtaMed EssureSim™ (add-on to HystSim™)

8 virtual patients for Essure® with rising difficulty
Adapted original diagnostic hysteroscope with working channel