ROCK HILL, S.C., June 13, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced today the release of the first and only available virtual reality training module for Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Inguinal Hernia Repair. Available on 3D Systems’ LAP Mentor laparoscopic surgical simulator as well as the company’s RobotiX Mentor simulator for robotic procedures, this new module serves a distinct need within the healthcare community for improved medical training and better patient outcomes.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/27f65b30-1cb6-4996-8a51-3fa887283be4
A video preview of the TAPP Inguinal Hernia Repair module is available here.
According to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), approximately 600,000 inguinal hernia repair operations are performed annually in the United States (1). Although this common procedure can be conducted using Minimally Invasive (MIS) procedures that are less painful, leave less scarring, and shorten recovery time among other benefits, traditional open surgeries are frequently performed instead. Despite the empirical value of the MIS Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) technique, adoption has been slow due to a steep learning curve and challenges in structured training. For years, the only available hands-on approach for this method has been training boxes and cadavers. 3D Systems’ new TAPP Inguinal Hernia Repair training module provides an additional comprehensive training solution that is interactive and repeatable.
Designed to shorten learning curves through realistic, hands-on virtual training, 3D Systems' virtual reality TAPP Inguinal Hernia Repair training module provides a true-to-life anatomical environment for the safe and repeated practice of the skills and procedures required for this operation. Module tasks include didactic features such as interactive guidance, and cover the procedure from the identification of anatomical landmarks and key structures to peritoneum incision and the dissection and management of the hernia sac. Alongside these technical skills, the module offers practice with surgical decision making and provides objective performance measurement. Additional steps of the procedure, including mesh handling and peritoneal closure, are under development.
"Our extensive and growing offering of physical and virtual 3D healthcare solutions provides the skills and means for medical professionals to overcome today’s challenges and advance the future of care,” said Kevin McAlea, Chief Operating Officer, Healthcare, 3D Systems. “Each of our targeted products responds to a need within the healthcare community and is the result of our close work and collaboration with medical experts. From educational training modules and simulation to patient specific pre-operative surgical planning to 3D printed tools and implants, we are dedicated to advancing 3D technology’s role in healthcare to improve the experiences and outcomes of practitioners, students and patients."
3D Systems' end-to-end healthcare solutions will be available for hands-on demonstrations at the upcoming European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Booth #76, June 15-17, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and at the Society in Europe for Simulation Applied to Medicine (SESAM), Booth #EX30, June 15-17, in Lisbon, Portugal.
Reference:
(1) http://www.sages.org/publications/patient-information/patient-information-for-laparoscopic-inguinal-hernia-repair-from-sages/.
About 3D Systems
3D Systems provides comprehensive 3D products and services, including 3D printers, print materials, on demand manufacturing services and digital design tools. Its ecosystem supports advanced applications from the product design shop to the factory floor to the operating room. 3D Systems’ precision healthcare capabilities include simulation, Virtual Surgical Planning, and printing of medical and dental devices as well as patient-specific surgical instruments. As the originator of 3D printing and a shaper of future 3D solutions, 3D Systems has spent its 30 year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring innovative products to market and drive new business models.
More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com