Verberkmoes Mitral Sim: Next-Level Mitral Valve Training
Verberkmoes Mitral Sim is an innovative simulator designed for practicing mitral valve surgery. It was created by the Dutch surgeon Niels Verberkmoes, who in 2012 received an award for this project thanks to its impressive combination of accessible materials, compact construction, and realistic simulation of a complex surgical procedure. Dr. Patrick Perier, a renowned expert in mitral surgery, also contributed to its development.
From the Idea to an Award-Winning Project
The Verberkmoes Mitral Sim project arose from the need to simplify and make mitral surgery training available to a greater number of surgeons worldwide. At a time when various simulators for vascular or bowel anastomoses were appearing, there was a lack of a high-quality tool for practicing the techniques involved in the relatively demanding and complex mitral valve operations. Verberkmoes utilized commonly available materials and created a prototype that convinced both the competition jury and the professional public with its functionality as well as its affordability.
Over the course of several months, the original version of the simulator underwent intensive redesign in collaboration with Verberkmoes and Dr. Perier. The new model aimed to:
- Better withstand frequent use,
- Faithfully imitate real operating conditions,
- Maintain a favorable purchase price.
At the same time, it was necessary to take into account the complexity of mitral surgery, which involves working with delicate structures (valve leaflets, chordae tendineae, and papillary muscles) and requires a specific approach.
Technical Improvements and Benefits
- Greater anatomical fidelity: Compared to simpler vascular or anastomotic simulators, this model is specifically focused on the mitral apparatus, providing a more detailed internal construction and simulating the real movement of valve structures.
- Durable materials: The improved version uses sturdier components, offering longer lifespans and better stability during training for various techniques, such as valve repair, resection, or replacement.
- Versatility and modular concept: The simulator can be adapted to practice different steps of mitral surgery – some parts can be replaced or adjusted so that surgeons can train for specific situations (e.g., varying degrees of valve degeneration, different defect locations, etc.).
- Affordability: Thanks to a combination of innovative yet relatively simple design and the materials used, the resulting purchase price was not prohibitively high, making the simulator accessible to both training centers and smaller healthcare facilities.
Global Response
In its first year alone, more than 1,000 Verberkmoes Mitral Sim units were delivered to 10 countries. This success demonstrates the strong global interest among surgeons and educational institutions in accessible and reliable simulators that help perfect complex procedures for reconstructing or replacing the mitral valve.
Collaboration with Dr. Perier and other specialists enabled the simulator to be showcased at various congresses and professional seminars. It attracted attention not only from cardiac surgery experts but also from younger surgeons in training. Incorporating simulators into residency programs contributes to increased surgical safety – trainees can repeatedly practice techniques, analyze mistakes, and improve in a controlled environment, without posing a risk to real patients.
Possible Future Directions
As with other surgical simulators, Verberkmoes Mitral Sim is expected to continue evolving. Potential modifications may include:
- Integration of new materials (e.g., synthetic tissues with an even more realistic texture),
- Enhanced feedback (possibilities for simulating blood flow, pressure loading, etc.),
- Digital connectivity (using sensors and software for detailed analysis of suturing, instrument positioning, and other parameters).
The development of such simulators reflects the growing emphasis on safe and efficient surgical education. The better the tools available to surgeons, the more effectively they can handle the complications associated with challenging operations such as mitral valve repair or replacement.