New Telepresence Platform Helps Virtually Train Surgeons in Robotic-Assisted Techniques

A recognized leader in teaching innovative surgical techniques, Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) has added the Intuitive Telepresence Platform (ITP) to virtually train and mentor surgeons around the world in robotic-assisted surgery.

Peer-to-peer education and development are critical for certification in robotic surgery. “With this platform, observers from any state or country can virtually join our operating room during a robotic-assisted procedure and more easily access our expertise to improve their skills,” says Alexis Sanchez, MD, corporate director of Orlando Health’s robotic surgery program.

Based on expertise, experience and excellent outcomes in more than 700 cases, Orlando Health ORMC’s program is designated as a case observation site. “This new technology maintains a high-quality information exchange while eliminating the time and cost constraints associated with having surgeons physically come to the hospital,” says Dr. Sanchez.

With telepresence, surgeons at different levels of expertise can remotely observe a complete procedure — from operating room preparation and table setup to instrument layout and surgical techniques. The platform allows for real-time audio and video exchange between the observation participant and the operating surgeon. Remote observers also can select from multiple camera angles for up-close and specific views of the process, system and tools.

ITP is currently used at Orlando Health ORMC to complete case observation for bariatric and thoracic robotic surgeries. “Participants can watch any procedure within these two specialties,” says Dr. Sanchez. “By working through the Intuitive rep at their hospital who contacts our rep, we can set a date and a time to complete this case observation.”

Once scheduled, physicians connect with their computer using the telepresence software and complete case observation from their location and time zone. “ITP offers a hospital with an active robotic program like ours an advanced teaching tool for remote surgery case observation,” says Dr. Sanchez, who expects to expand the program to include proctoring cases for certification as well.