• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Transporting Treatment: An Examination of Tubing Technologies

    Outward Appearance: Reviewing Surface Treatment Options

    Face to (Virtual) Face: Telemedicine Now and Post-Pandemic

    Voices for Medtech: AdvaMed and MDMA Leaders Share Thoughts

    Digitize Your QMS via an Enterprise Cloud Platform
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    FDA Grants 510(k) Clearance to LivaNova’s B-Capta

    Gynesonics Appoints Susan Stimson to Its Board of Directors

    Piezo Motion Debuts Piezoelectric Micro-Dosing Pump

    Riva Health Raises $15.5 Million for Breakthrough Mobile Cardiology Technology

    Abbott Begins Shipping Rapid COVID Self-Tests
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Transporting Treatment: An Examination of Tubing Technologies

    Outward Appearance: Reviewing Surface Treatment Options

    Face to (Virtual) Face: Telemedicine Now and Post-Pandemic

    Voices for Medtech: AdvaMed and MDMA Leaders Share Thoughts

    Digitize Your QMS via an Enterprise Cloud Platform
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Home Is Where the Heart (Valve) Is

    CGM: Digital Health Meets a Very Large Opportunity

    Biomechanical Engineer, Heal Thyself

    Optimizing MIM in Medical Device Manufacturing

    PPE and Diagnostics: Sourcing Domestically and Speeding Time to Market
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    K-Tube Technologies

    Spectrum Plastics Group

    MW Life Sciences

    Medbio LLC

    Concise Engineering
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    EMS' Engineering Resources Increasingly in Demand

    Fiber Optics Introducing New Cleanliness Requirements for Medical Electronics

    EMS Providers Valued for Product Customization, Medical Certification Expertise

    Three Future Trends and Opportunities in Quality Assurance

    Adopting a Data-Driven Quality Model
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Concise Engineering

    Medicoil

    PTI Engineered Plastics Inc.

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Creganna Medical, part of TE Connectivity
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    Gaming Through Surgery: Apps Prepare Clinicians for Challenging Cases

    A video game app can be leveraged to introduce healthcare professionals to challenging procedures for a variety of clinical application areas.

    Gaming Through Surgery: Apps Prepare Clinicians for Challenging Cases
    A look at the interface during one of the procedures in the Pulm Ex game. Image courtesy of Level Ex.
    Related CONTENT
    • Riva Health Raises $15.5 Million for Breakthrough Mobile Cardiology Technology
    • A Digital Stethoscope & Digital Health—A Medtech Matters Podcast
    • Advanced Powder Products (APP)
    • Non-Dilutive Funding—A Medtech Matters Podcast
    • Welldoc, Dexcom Expand Strategic Partnership for Diabetes Management
    Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief08.08.19
    Admittedly, I enjoy my fair share of video games. Whether an amusing distraction on my smart phone or playing through a console attached to my television, I have spent a good amount of time enjoying some alternate reality where I’m tasked with any number of goals I don’t typically strive to achieve in my typical daily activities. I don’t recall, however, ever performing complex medical procedures within a game.
     
    That, however, is exactly what Eric Gantwerker, MD, MS, MMSc (MedEd), FACS, vice president and medical director at Level Ex, enabled me to do through his video game offerings. I took on a few levels of Cardio Ex, one of Level Ex’s four apps and performed a number of cardiovascular procedures via a quite realistic-looking interface. In just a few minutes, I was able to insert a catheter and navigate it to the proper location, inflate a balloon, and initiate the correct therapy to resolve the “patient’s” medical issue. Of course, as an untrained layman, I had no idea what I was really doing, and it didn’t take very long before the learning curve was well beyond my (lack of) medical training. The interface, however, was quite intuitive and could easily be adapted by someone who had the necessary medical experience, but may not be a gamer like myself.
     

    The Cardio Ex game offers clinicians an opportunity to try a new producedure or device without any chance of harming patients. Image courtesy of Level Ex.
    Afterwards, I was able to have a discussion with Dr. Gantwerker about Level Ex’s products and how the company is helping to keep healthcare professionals on top of their game when it comes to being ready to perform similar procedures for real.
     
    Sean Fenske: What is Level Ex and what are the games the company offers?
    Dr. Eric Gantwerker: Level Ex is a Chicago-based medical mobile video game company that creates industry-leading medical video games for more than 500,000 healthcare professionals across the United States. Level Ex games provide healthcare professionals with an array of challenging, rare cases within four specialty areas including cardiology (Cardio Ex), anesthesiology (Airway Ex), gastroenterology (Gastro Ex), and pulmonology (Pulm Ex). Our games are available to download free from the App Store or Google Play.
     
    Fenske: How did you become involved with the company?
    Dr. Gantwerker: During my pediatric fellowship, I earned a master’s degree in Medical Science in Medical Education with a focus on educational technology and innovation. I started consulting and advising for several companies from the medical education and technology standpoint, and focused on Level Ex because of its tremendous potential and my wholehearted belief in its mission. I became the full-time medical director at Level Ex in March 2018 and continue in that capacity while also operating as a pediatric ENT surgeon at a nearby academic institution.
     
    Fenske: Beyond entertainment, what are the benefits of surgeons playing the games?
    Dr. Gantwerker: The games are more than just entertainment. The benefits for physicians playing Level Ex games include practicing on actual physician-submitted rare and challenging cases and the ability to earn CME credits. Doctors are able to experiment in a risk-free environment to see what potential consequences may arise from their decisions and actions.
     
    Because the games are interactive, users are able to glean nuances in the cases that will prepare them for real-life challenging situations with patients in a way that textbooks don’t. Another major benefit is that completion of certain levels earns the physician user valuable CME credits that are required to maintain their medical license. Spending time engaging with the games while at home or between cases at the hospital—and earning CME credit while doing so—is a popular choice among our users, as 118,000 CME cases were played in 2018.
     
    Fenske: What’s been the feedback from physicians and surgeons who have played the game?
    Dr. Gantwerker: Feedback on the games has been very positive. Universally everyone has been amazed by the graphics and the realistic experiences the games provide. Physicians who play these medical video games in their downtime or between cases enjoy the access to the latest medical devices and drug therapies, learning new techniques, engaging in the rare and challenging cases the games present, and the competition that exists within the games.
     
    Fenske: Is it unusual for a video game to be qualified to issue CME credits to physicians for playing?
    Dr. Gantwerker: We’re creating another universe of continued medical education that truly provides value to these physicians’ lives, and in turn, to patients’ lives. We only offer CME for select cases in our games. Playing a mobile video game and earning CME is way more satisfying and rewarding than having to take extra hours out to attend a conference or read journal articles.
     
    Fenske: How do partner companies get involved with Level Ex?
    Dr. Gantwerker: We are always looking for new opportunities to work with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, as well as medical societies and associations. We collaborate on cases and incorporate innovative strategies to engage physicians for advanced learning. Our relationships include Pfizer, Merck, Baxter, Medtronic, the American Heart Association, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and several others. For example, we collaborated with Baxter to create a dosing mini-game inside our Airway Ex game. The objective of the game was to educate healthcare professionals and build their confidence in dosing Suprane, an inhalational anesthetic by Baxter. In the first three months of the program, the case was played more than 7,000 times by physicians.
     
    Fenske: What are corporate partners commonly seeking to achieve in working with Level Ex?
    Dr. Gantwerker: Organizations we work with want to expose their therapy or device to medical professionals who use the games. When a pharmaceutical or medical device company has a case with us, medical professionals are able to practice using the therapy or device via their mobile device rather than on a patient, providing valuable experience in a simulated environment. Additionally, the ability to practice new devices and therapies from their phone frees up their already hectic schedule—much more appealing than spending hours with a sales rep. Plus, physicians can play Level Ex’s games wherever they are and whenever they have downtime, which ultimately results in better outcomes for patients and more visibility for therapies and devices. For example, within our Airway Ex game, we worked with Medtronic to develop an augmented reality unit that allows medical professionals to better understand the benefits of the McGRATH MAC video laryngoscope over the more commonly used Macintosh Laryngoscope.
     
    Fenske: What’s the reaction from companies when they see their technologies recreated in the virtual space of the game?
    Dr. Gantwerker: Our collaborators love seeing their technologies recreated in our games. They know that their product is being noticed and used by hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, and they like that. Our ongoing and expanded relationships are a testament to our mutual goal of enhancing physicians’ training opportunities.
     
    Fenske: Can you share what other clinical areas are on the horizon? Any preview of what’s coming?
    Dr. Gantwerker: Aside from our four current medical apps, we are developing games for dermatology and neurology. Each game we create is tailored to that specific specialty. With Level Ex and the games that we’re able to develop, our expansion is endless.
     
    Fenske: What’s in store for Level Ex? Where do you see the company in five years?
    Dr. Gantwerker: We are always looking toward the future and areas of medicine we can apply our solutions to. We are extremely proud of the work that goes into creating our games and are excited to see so much receptivity toward them.
     
    In five years, our goal is to be a go-to game on every provider’s phone because, in turn, the additional training and education received through Level Ex will translate to improved quality of care for the thousands of patients.
     
    Fenske: Do you have any other comments or insights you’d like to share?
    Dr. Gantwerker: Level Ex brings together top talent from the medical world and the video game industry to develop medical video games that can ultimately help patient outcomes. Physicians learn from our games and take that knowledge into the clinical setting, where outcomes really matter.
     
    With the momentum we have drummed up in 2019, the impressive team we have built over the past three years including bringing on Todd Shallbetter and Jason Rubenstein to our leadership bench, and the endless possibilities of where we can take Level Ex games, we’re excited about what’s to come for Level Ex.
    Related Searches
    • pharmaceutical
    • dr
    • patient
    • apps
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Surgical
    • Digital Health
    • Software & IT
    Suggested For You
    Riva Health Raises $15.5 Million for Breakthrough Mobile Cardiology Technology Riva Health Raises $15.5 Million for Breakthrough Mobile Cardiology Technology
    A Digital Stethoscope & Digital Health—A Medtech Matters Podcast A Digital Stethoscope & Digital Health—A Medtech Matters Podcast
    Advanced Powder Products (APP) Advanced Powder Products (APP)
    Non-Dilutive Funding—A Medtech Matters Podcast Non-Dilutive Funding—A Medtech Matters Podcast
    Welldoc, Dexcom Expand Strategic Partnership for Diabetes Management Welldoc, Dexcom Expand Strategic Partnership for Diabetes Management
    CGM: Digital Health Meets a Very Large Opportunity CGM: Digital Health Meets a Very Large Opportunity
    How Digital Health Fits into the Medtech Mold How Digital Health Fits into the Medtech Mold
    Quality & Regulatory Solutions for the FDA Regulated Industries Quality & Regulatory Solutions for the FDA Regulated Industries
     BD Gains EUA for Asymptomatic COVID-19 Screening via Rapid Testing BD Gains EUA for Asymptomatic COVID-19 Screening via Rapid Testing
    Abbott Abbott's Rapid COVID-19 Self-Test Receives EUA
    Jabil Healthcare, E3D Collaborate on Drug Delivery Device Tech Jabil Healthcare, E3D Collaborate on Drug Delivery Device Tech
    Urgotech Unveils Results from Clinical Study of Urgonight Urgotech Unveils Results from Clinical Study of Urgonight
    FDA OKs Baxter FDA OKs Baxter's AK 98 Hemodialysis Machine
    Top Five Healthcare Trends and Predictions for 2021 Top Five Healthcare Trends and Predictions for 2021
    Why Bad Products Still Ship and Good People Have to Clean Up the Mess Why Bad Products Still Ship and Good People Have to Clean Up the Mess

    Related Online Exclusives

    • Software & IT
      Three Future Trends and Opportunities in Quality Assurance

      Three Future Trends and Opportunities in Quality Assurance

      As regulated companies, medical device firms must stay abreast of the latest developments to ensure they adopt new protocols to maintain quality assurance.
      David Jensen, Staff Writer, MasterControl 04.09.21

    • Software & IT
      Adopting a Data-Driven Quality Model

      Adopting a Data-Driven Quality Model

      Employing a data-driven quality model helps you apply quality processes more holistically throughout the organization.
      David Jensen, Staff Writer, MasterControl 04.09.21

    • Software & IT
      Digital Transformation for Quality and Manufacturing

      Digital Transformation for Quality and Manufacturing

      The pandemic has illustrated the importance of a transition to digital solutions for medical device and other life sciences manufacturers.
      Jon Beckstrand, CEO, MasterControl 04.08.21


    • Cardiovascular
      Digging into the Cardiac Arrhythmia Monitoring Device Market

      Digging into the Cardiac Arrhythmia Monitoring Device Market

      The overall market is set to reach an annual valuation of $9 billion by 2026.
      Saloni Walimbe, Research Content Developer, Global Market Insights 04.08.21

    • Cardiovascular
      Cardiovascular Device Market Expands to Tackle Higher Disease Burden

      Cardiovascular Device Market Expands to Tackle Higher Disease Burden

      The market is likely to exceed a valuation of $10 billion by 2027.
      Vinisha Joshi, Research Content Developer, Global Market Insights 04.01.21

    • Software & IT
      Using Quality as an Advantage in 2021

      Using Quality as an Advantage in 2021

      Report finds despite pandemic, 79 percent of medical device professionals expect modest or strong revenue growth in 2021.
      Jon Speer, Founder, Greenlight Guru 03.25.21


    • Software & IT
      5 Ways Manufacturers Can Improve IoMT Device Security

      5 Ways Manufacturers Can Improve IoMT Device Security

      Manufacturers cannot make development and security mistakes with IoMT devices.
      Emily Newton, Editor-in-Chief, Revolutionized 03.23.21

    • Software & IT
      Three Reasons Automation and Training Are Essential in Your MDQMS

      Three Reasons Automation and Training Are Essential in Your MDQMS

      Having the proper tools in place to ensure all training activities are occurring when and how they should is critical to quality.
      Jon Speer, Founder, Greenlight Guru 03.15.21

    • Digital Health
      Top Five Healthcare Trends and Predictions for 2021

      Top Five Healthcare Trends and Predictions for 2021

      The prominence of telehealth solutions during the pandemic will reshape a number of aspects of our healthcare system.
      Varsha Rao, CEO, Nurx 03.12.21


    • Software & IT
      2021: The Year for Insights Into Quality Data

      2021: The Year for Insights Into Quality Data

      For users of paper-based quality systems, data can seem overwhelming and disorganized.
      Sarah Beale, Staff Writer, MasterControl 03.11.21

    • Diagnostics | Digital Health | Software & IT
      Pioneering AI Solutions to Reinforce Healthcare Services

      Pioneering AI Solutions to Reinforce Healthcare Services

      Can AI live up to its hype in the healthcare landscape?
      Sunil Jha, Senior Research Content Developer, Global Market Insights 02.12.21

    • Digital Health
      Evolving Trends in the Medical and Orthopedic Devices Industry

      Evolving Trends in the Medical and Orthopedic Devices Industry

      There are a number of areas worth keeping an eye on within medtech in 2021 and beyond.
      Jacqueline Trovato, Healthcare/Legal Writer 02.09.21


    • Digital Health
      Expert Roundup: Achieving Success in the 2021 Medical Device Landscape

      Expert Roundup: Achieving Success in the 2021 Medical Device Landscape

      Industry experts share their advice on factors medical device manufacturers need to consider for the coming year to stay ahead.
      Nick Tippmann, Vice President Of Marketing, Greenlight Guru 12.04.20

    • Software & IT
      Leveraging Virtual Technology for Customer Service and Support

      Leveraging Virtual Technology for Customer Service and Support

      VR/AR solutions enable contactless interactions with customers to address a variety of needs.
      Dijam Panigrahi, Co-Founder and COO, Grid Raster Inc. 12.02.20

    • Cardiovascular | Surgical
      Prospects of AIMDs in the Implantable Medical Device Industry

      Prospects of AIMDs in the Implantable Medical Device Industry

      Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) are a significant player in the medical implant market.
      Sunil Jha, Research Content Developer, Global Market Insights 11.18.20


    Trending
    • Survey: Remote Patient Monitoring To Match Or Surpass In-Patient Within Five Years
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • Harnessing Critical Health Data With Wearable Technology
    • 5 Ways Plastics Revolutionized The Healthcare Industry
    • Top 10 Trends In The Medical Device And Equipment Industry
    Breaking News
    • FDA Grants 510(k) Clearance to LivaNova’s B-Capta
    • Gynesonics Appoints Susan Stimson to Its Board of Directors
    • Piezo Motion Debuts Piezoelectric Micro-Dosing Pump
    • Riva Health Raises $15.5 Million for Breakthrough Mobile Cardiology Technology
    • Abbott Begins Shipping Rapid COVID Self-Tests
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    April 2021

    • Transporting Treatment: An Examination of Tubing Technologies
    • Face to (Virtual) Face: Telemedicine Now and Post-Pandemic
    • Outward Appearance: Reviewing Surface Treatment Options
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Longvida Curcumin Extract Receives ANVISA Approval in Brazil
    Curcugen Curcumin Formulation Evidenced to Attenuate Post-Exercise Inflammation
    Good Rāz Launches Taste-Free Vitamin D3 Drops
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    USGBC Releases Results of 2021 Green Building Community Survey
    PPG Publishes Sustainability Report
    Sherwin-Williams Launches Echelon
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    FDA Grants 510(k) Clearance to LivaNova’s B-Capta
    Gynesonics Appoints Susan Stimson to Its Board of Directors
    Piezo Motion Debuts Piezoelectric Micro-Dosing Pump
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Evotec to Build Second Biologics Mfg. Facility in Toulouse
    Adare Pharma Names Ludger Roedder President of Adare Biome
    Johnson & Johnson 1Q Results
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Donginbi Launches Men’s Skincare Collection
    Kiehl’s Launches Pouch Refillables
    Skin Match Technology Partners with Men-Only Grooming Platforms
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Robertet Appoints Reichert as Perfumer
    Kiehl’s Launches Sustainable Pouch Refillables for Hair Care, Skin Care
    New OTC Natural Hemp Pain Relief Gel Arrives at cbdMD
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Kumon North America Adds Speedmaster XL 106 from Heidelberg
    SE-DA Invests in Kornit Presto S
    Acrylic Resins Market Worth $21.9 Billion by 2025: MarketsandMarkets
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    PPG releases 2020 Sustainability Report
    GAA merges with AIMCAL
    Acucote expands Insights educational program
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Glatfelter GlatClean Nominated for World of Wipes Innovation Award
    P&G’s Sales Up 5%
    Ontex Tests Industrial Scale Diaper Composting
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    SeaSpine Begins Limited Rollout of WaveForm TO 3D-Printed Interbodies
    Spinal Elements' Lucent 3D Additive Manufactured Interbodies Earn FDA Nod
    Conformis, Paragon 28 Ink Licensing Deal
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    SEMI Appoints imec, Soitec Executives to Europe Advisory Board
    NREL Takes Novel Approach to 3D-Printed Water Power Prototypes
    Canatu Manufactures World’s Thinnest Free-standing CNB Membrane

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login