Simbionix's patient specific system receives Magna Cum Laude EPOS Award

Extensive research conducted by the Imperial College of London, Ghent University Hospital and University of Sheffield on the Simbionix PROcedure Rehearsal Studio(TM), was awarded a Magna Cum Laude EPOS Award at the CIRSE 2009 congress in Lisbon, Portugal.

The PROcedure Rehearsal Studio(TM), introduced by Simbionix last year, is the world's first patient specific system to enable clinicians to create practice scenarios based on their patient's unique anatomy as reconstructed from CTA or MRA data.

Preliminary data from ongoing research by the European Virtual Reality Endovascular Research Team (EVEResT) suggests that patient-specific rehearsal may enhance the performance of interventionalists in subsequent endovascular procedures. The preliminary data also suggested that after rehearsal, endovascular surgery is carried out more rapidly with less use of contrast and fluoroscopy and to a higher qualitative standard, compared to those interventions preceded by a generic warm-up case, or no warm-up at all.

Professor Nick Cheshire, Professor of Vascular Surgery at Imperial College remarks: "We are pleased to report on the strong correlation between the virtual and real operation with regards to the angiography images, endovascular access and material used during the intervention. The Rehearsal Studio was able to adequately predict the optimal material for the specific case at hand. Further research into the PROcedure Rehearsal Studio(TM) is expected to determine if this technology can indeed help to improve the technical skills of the interventionalist and tailor these skills to the challenges of a specific patient. The preliminary results already demonstrate shorter procedure time with less use of contrast; the end goal of the application of this technique will of course be to enhance patient safety and outcome."

Mr. Ran Bronstein, President and COO at Simbionix adds: "We are very pleased with the results of the research work conducted on our newest system. The PROcedure Rehearsal Studio(TM) is an innovative product that utilizes a unique technology which was developed following intensive R&D efforts. Based on initial reactions, I believe it will change the way physicians practice and perform today."