FundamentalVR recently rolled out its new software, Fundamental Surgery, which incorporates VR and haptic sensors. The London based company intends to give hands-on training to young surgeons by virtually performing and experiencing surgical procedures which they would otherwise learn by observing senior surgeons. The software simulates an operation setting by giving physical feedback. 

“Our mission is to democratize surgical training by placing safe, affordable, and authentic simulations within arm’s reach of every surgeon in the world,” Richard Vincent, founder and CEO of FundamentalVR, said in a statement. “With the help of some of the top minds in medicine, as well some of the most advanced VR haptic programmers, we have created a solution that can be deployed anywhere — with limited investment — to allow surgeons to learn and hone their skills over and over again in a safe and controlled environment.”

The software assigns personal log-ins to every surgeon or trainee who uses it. It records the instruments used, evaluates precision during the procedure and the effect on the patient and gives feedback on the user’s performance. Thus, the system gives users and administrators easy access to the trainee or clinician’s growth and reviews and suggests improvement wherever needed.

The software works on PCs or laptops along with VR headsets and two haptic arm devices. Its SHIE software utilizes haptic devices to provide the sense of touch while performing the surgery. It also includes a feature that shifts surgical scenarios to give the experience of handling possible complications like a sudden hemorrhage. 

Although the present focus of the technology is on orthopedics, it aims to later also include laparoscopic, general surgery, cardiovascular, and otolaryngology procedures as well.