The Orthopaedic Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded 16 years ago by New York based orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine physician and founder of OSET, Kevin Plancher, M.D., has entered into a partnership agreement with virtual reality (VR) technology startup Immersive Tech Inc. (Immertec) to study the effectiveness of virtual reality as a tool for surgeon training.
Immertec, based in Tampa, Florida, has developed a VR platform that allows surgeons to train remotely on new medical devices and procedures. This could allow for a more efficient, less costly way to train surgeons, the company and foundation said in an announcement.
Before COVID, orthopedic training often required physicians to travel to cadaver labs, conference sites and distant operating rooms surgeons to receive hands-on training. These days, that is simply not possible. In many ways, this pandemic has given such advanced training technologies as virtual or augmented reality a jump start.
How effective as a training tool could they be? The Orthopaedic Foundation is going to try to find out.
“Working with Immertec we’re able to explore the possibilities of what surgical training will look like post-COVID,” Janine Bahar, executive director of the Orthopaedic Foundation, said.
“By identifying ways for surgeons to continue education remotely we can ultimately impact patient treatment and make minimally invasive procedures more accessible to patients across the U.S.”
Immertec’s Medoptic platform is supported by hardware that streams live content in the operating room. The platform features 3D teleconferencing, a mobile scheduling app, and VR headsets that are loaned to trainees. It allows for real-time collaboration and communication through its 3D video and audio conferencing.
“We’re excited to partner with Manhattan’s leading bioskills lab Orthopaedic Foundation, Erik Maltais, chief executive officer of Immertec, added.
“Their experience and focus on innovation will help empower the medical community to create new opportunities for modern healthcare.”
The first live cadaveric demonstration supported by this new partnership took place at Orthopaedic Foundation’s bioskill lab in Manhattan, New York. Thirteen orthopedic surgeons participated in the demonstration that confirmed that the system meets industry benchmark standards.
Orthopaedic Foundation’s mission is to promote, support, develop and encourage research and education on minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery.
Founded in 2017, Immertec’s mission is to push the limits of virtual health so people can access to the highest standard of care regardless of race, physical location, economic status, or nationality.
