FundamentalVR is at the forefront of revolutionising surgical training through immersive virtual reality (VR) technologies. Under the leadership of Chief Technology Officer Vicky Smalley, the company is dedicated to advancing human capability in surgery and medicine. This mission is realised through their innovative training platform, Fundamental Surgery, which allows medical professionals to practise complex procedures in a risk-free, virtual environment. By providing this advanced training, FundamentalVR is playing a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and keeping pace with the rapid innovations in medical technology.
The company’s core values drive their commitment to pushing the boundaries of surgical training. Despite the fast-evolving nature of the healthcare industry, these values remain a steadfast guide for the team as they continue to innovate in the field of medical education.
FundamentalVR is a global leader in immersive surgical training, addressing the competency gap in training for intelligent operating rooms. Their flagship platform, Fundamental Surgery, allows for complete rehearsals of medical and surgical procedures. Central to this platform is their patented HapticVR™ technology, which accurately simulates the physical sensations of surgery, such as the feel of soft tissue, bone textures, and muscle resistance, making the training experience as realistic as possible.
Recently, FundamentalVR introduced Maia, an AI-powered tutor designed to enhance surgical education. Maia’s advanced algorithms analyse user gestures, providing real-time, data-driven insights that predict surgical behaviour and allow for immediate, adaptive feedback. This technology fosters a safer and more effective learning environment, promoting continuous improvement and user engagement.
FundamentalVR offers a diverse range of VR training solutions across multiple medical specialisations. These include ophthalmology, urology, orthopaedics, robotics, endovascular procedures, and spine surgeries. Their platform is customisable, flexible, and cost-effective, providing industry leaders with collaborative training environments that accelerate the global rollout of new products and procedures. Partnerships with companies like Teleflex and CMR Surgical demonstrate the wide applicability and impact of FundamentalVR’s technology in preparing practitioners for clinical applications.
As surgical procedures increase worldwide, the emphasis on patient safety and the need for realistic training tools have grown significantly. The adoption of VR technology is becoming more widespread, bolstered by hardware advancements from major companies such as Apple and Meta. These new devices, like the Apple Vision Pro and Quest 3, offer simpler setups and high-resolution displays, making VR more accessible to a broader audience and reducing the gap between virtual and real-world experiences.
The advancements in VR simulation not only improve patient outcomes but also reduce costs for healthcare providers. As this technology becomes increasingly integral to medical training, those who do not embrace it risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving field.
Looking ahead to 2024, FundamentalVR anticipates continued advancements in haptic feedback technology, which is crucial for realistic surgical training. Innovations from companies like Haply Robotics and 3D Systems are enhancing the tactile sensations experienced during procedures, making VR an invaluable tool for developing surgical skills. The integration of haptic feedback into robotic surgery systems, such as the Da Vinci Surgical System, underscores its importance in modern surgical practice.
With surgical equipment becoming more sophisticated, the challenge of training healthcare professionals is growing. Digital twins, virtual replicas of real-world devices, are emerging as a key solution to this challenge. These digital twins, which range from surface-level simulations to fully integrated software systems, help flatten learning curves and minimise the risk of errors in real-world applications.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the field of surgical training, with FundamentalVR at the cutting edge of this innovation. The development of embodied agents, or virtual tutors, is enabling personalised feedback and adaptive learning paths tailored to each user. This technology is opening up new possibilities for surgical education, positioning FundamentalVR as a leader in enhancing medical training through AI and VR.
FundamentalVR’s ongoing innovations are not only reshaping how surgical skills are taught but are also setting new standards for patient safety and care.
Tern plc (LON:TERN) backs exciting, high growth IoT innovators in Europe. They provide support and create a genuinely collaborative environment for talented, well-motivated teams. FundamentalVR is a healthcare technology company with a mission to accelerate human capability via precision simulation.
