CMR Surgical Launches VR Headset for its Surgical Robot

CMR Surgical (CMR) is preparing to launch a virtual reality headset and VR professional education program for the Versius Surgical Robotic System. Versius Virtual Reality will be launched in pilot hospitals next month, with a global roll out expected from late summer. 
 
With the Versius Virtual Reality release, 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. 

Fiona Morrison, global head of Professional Education at CMR Surgical, said: “Our professional education programmes are always focused on optimising the use of Versius for surgical teams. 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.” 
 
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 at every step. There is also the opportunity to collaborate alongside other surgical team members in the virtual environment.  
 
CMR Surgical has produced Versius Virtual Reality in partnership with FundamentalVR, a virtual reality education platform, and will continue to develop the program 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. 
 
Versius fits into virtually any operating room set-up and integrates seamlessly 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 optimized 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 unleashes a wealth of insights to ultimately improve surgical care.