da Vinci^® System Training

da Vinci System training is comprised of two parts:

(1)  On-Site da Vinci Surgical System Training

Surgeons and support staff attend a half-day training session at their hospital. This program consists of didactic and practical skills sessions covering the components and proper use of the da Vinci Surgical System and EndoWrist^® Instruments. On-site training highlights key da Vinci System features, System preparation and management, and includes a hands-on practicum for both surgeons and nurses.

(2)  Off-Site da Vinci Surgical Skills Training*

One surgeon and his/her surgical assistant learn and practice procedural skills using the da Vinci Surgical System at one of our premier regional training centers. Offsite da Vinci System Training is a one- or two-day program combining didactic sessions and a structured, hands-on laboratory session. The curriculum emphasizes surgical team roles and responsibilities, as well as emergent techniques for optimizing robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery.

Procedure Training

Live Procedure Observation

Live surgery provides the opportunity for novice da Vinci surgeons to observe experienced, independent da Vinci surgeons. The result is a better understanding of robotic surgical applications and techniques. Independent surgeons** experienced in robotic technique address the following topics in the context of live procedures:

• Patient indications and selection
• Robotic-assisted surgical technique
• Anatomical reference
• Patient preparation, surgical positioning, port placement and instrumentation applications

Surgeon-Led Training**

Advanced da Vinci procedure training in multiple specialties is available at our premier regional training centers. Programs are led by independent, experienced da Vinci surgeons who contract with Intuitive Surgical. These courses may include integrated system training, live procedure-observation, as well as laboratory and didactic sessions. Pricing varies and should be discussed with your Intuitive Surgical representative.

Clinical Support

Laboratory Sessions*

Laboratory sessions provide the opportunity for one surgeon and his/her surgical assistant to learn and practice da Vinci Surgical System clinical applications at one of our premier regional training centers. The procedure laboratory is a one-day program reinforcing da Vinci System-specific technique and potential clinical applications. Programs can be tailored to meet the customer’s unique training needs.

Surgeon Proctoring**

Traditional surgeon education begins in clinical residency programs, which rely heavily on peer-to-peer education. The student’s proficiency develops under the guidance and supervision of experienced faculty members, who are responsible for teaching proper surgical technique, procedure safety and assessing competency.

Independent da Vinci surgeon proctoring facilitates the development of robotic surgical skills by providing opportunities for novice da Vinci surgeons to work under the supervision of experienced surgeons during their initial procedures. Intuitive Surgical’s network of independent surgeon proctors can offer tailored instruction in a variety of surgical specialties. Experienced independent surgeons are available to provide direct, immediate support during early clinical cases.

To learn more about Intuitive Surgical Training, please contact your local Intuitive Surgical Sales Representative. For contact information, please call toll-free, 888-409-4774, ext.1, or email us. From outside the United States, please call 33-1-39-04-26-90.

*Intuitive Surgical only trains on the use of the da Vinci Surgical System. The information provided during Intuitive Surgical training is not intended to substitute for formal medical training or certification. Intuitive Surgical is in no way responsible for surgical credentialing or for training in surgical procedure or technique, nor are the training programs described a replacement for hospital credentialing requirements. All curricula described are subject to change depending on available resources, as well as on the needs of the course participants.

**Some of the training described may be provided by organizations or entities other than Intuitive, and Intuitive is not responsible for the content of these programs. Surgeon proctors are independent contractors. The listed prices are for services rendered by the independent surgeon proctors. A list of surgeon proctors can be provided upon request. Intuitive Surgical does not train on surgical procedures or techniques, nor does it take responsibility for proctoring services provided by the independent surgeon proctors. The hospital/surgeon purchases the proctoring service as part of training they have independently determined to be part of their credentialing requirement; Intuitive Surgical’s role is merely to coordinate between the hospital/surgeon and the proctor. The proctors and the hospital/surgeon are always free to negotiate with each other directly.