Soft-Tissue Surgical Robotics System Now Offered in VR

• Versius Virtual Reality mimics the real-life environment of an operating room
• Will be launched in pilot hospitals June 2022, and global roll out expected Summer 2022

CMR Surgical (CMR) is launching a virtual reality headset and VR professional education programme for the Versius Surgical Robotic System.

Versius becomes the first soft-tissue surgical robotics system to offer VR training as part of its surgical team training pathway; giving surgical teams increased flexibility to practice their skills. The Versius Virtual Reality headset is wireless, doesn’t require connecting to a PC, and is packaged within a small box for portability and convenience.

Simulating a lifelike and immersive experience, Versius Virtual Reality mimics the real-life environment of an operating room. Users are guided through learning objectives by a virtual assistant to support them. There is also the opportunity to collaborate alongside other surgical team members in the virtual environment.

Versius Virtual Reality will be launched in pilot hospitals from June 2022, with global roll out is expected from late Summer 2022.

CMR Surgical has produced Versius Virtual Reality in partnership with FundamentalVR and will continue to develop the programme in collaboration with surgical teams. The new VR programme will complement the existing proficiency-based professional education programme for Versius, including the Versius Simulator and remote learning options.

Fiona Morrison, Global Head of Professional Education, CMR Surgical says: “It is exciting to add a virtual reality element to our already comprehensive and well-respected courses. Now, surgeons, nurses and the entire surgical team will be able to develop their skills with Versius, when and where it’s convenient for them. The virtual environment is so realistic that even if you’re sat practicing at home, you really feel like you are in the operating room.”

Versius fits into virtually any operating room set-up and integrates into existing workflows, increasing the likelihood of robotic minimal access surgery (MAS). The small, portable and modular design of Versius allows the surgeon to only use the number of arms needed for a given procedure.

Biomimicking the human arm, Versius gives surgeons the choice of optimised port placement alongside the dexterity and accuracy of small fully-wristed instruments. With 3D HD vision, easy-to adopt instrument control, and a choice of ergonomic working positions, the open surgeon console has the potential to reduce stress and fatigue and allows for clear communication with the surgical team. By thinking laparoscopically and operating robotically with Versius, patients, surgeons and healthcare professionals can all benefit from the value that robotic MAS brings.

Versius captures meaningful data with its wider digital ecosystem to support a surgeon’s continuous learning. Through the Versius Connect app, Versius Trainer and CMR clinical registry, Versius brings a wealth of insights to ultimately improve surgical care.