Frequently Asked Questions

What hardware is required to run Verefi's EndoTower™, RapidFire/ SmartTutor™, Head2Head, and LapFAST software?

Our simulators run on a standard desktop PC (we recommend at least a Pentium 4 or equivalent) running Windows XP, with an OpenGL-capable graphics card. (Most modern computers meet these requirements; please contact us if you have any questions about specific computer requirements.) All of our software requires an included virtual laparoscopic interface, and EndoTower requires our V-Cam mock camera which attaches to the virtual interface.

Verefi offers several system configurations, from software only if you have a capable computer and virtual interface, to turnkey solutions that include a computer, virtual interface, and cart. Head2Head requires two computers and two virtual interfaces to run the multi-user competitive and collaborative modules.

What is the setup process for your systems? Is there a regular maintenance program?

Setup is simple and straightforward. It involves running the Verefi software installation program, attaching the virtual interface to the computer, and, for EndoTower, installing the drivers for the V-Cam.

Verefi offers on-site setup and training with our systems, as well as annual service contracts. Technical support is available via phone and email.

How can I track my trainees' progress?

All Verefi simulators save application-specific performance metrics such as tool efficiency, path length, time to complete tasks, etc., to a data file. This file can be opened in a spreadsheet program such as Excel, where the data can be filtered or sorted based on criteria such as user, date, module number, or scores, and analyzed using standard statistical tests.

In addition to the detailed statistics, a numerical score based on the metrics is computed, which allows for quick comparison to other users and to an expert performance level. We have found that many students are highly motivated to train on our simulators in order to stay competitive with their peers.

Is there a standard training program for students and residents?

Suggested training protocols, based on studies with and use of our software in the teaching environment, are provided. For instance, RapidFire/SmartTutor includes a content management system that guides users through the training process, only making advanced modules available when more basic ones have been mastered.

Program directors are free to use the suggested criteria to determine when students reach expert performance, or they may develop their own training program and criteria.

Any simulator would be more attractive to our institution if other departments could use it. Does your software require modification to allow this?

No modification is necessary. Because Verefi's simulators use abstract environments instead of specific anatomy to train skills, they are applicable to any discipline where those laparoscopic skills are essential, including gynecology, urology, thoracic and general surgery.

Where's the anatomy?

Our simulators for minimally invasive surgery are designed by a surgeon for core basic skills training. These skills include interpolation of 2D environments to 3D understanding, the laparoscopic fulcrum effect, spatial awareness, and psychomotor skills such as target acquisition and handling. Studies have shown that novices learn better in simple settings without the distractions of complex realism. Thus, EndoTower and RapidFire/SmartTutor feature purely abstract environments and training tasks designed to facilitate the learning of these skills. LapFast and Head2Head feature a mix of abstract environments/tasks as well as environments and tasks featuring realistic anatomy for more immersive training.


	SkillSetPro EndoTower RapidFire/SmartTutor Head2Head LapFAST FAQ Publications
	Frequently Asked Questions What hardware is required to run Verefi's EndoTower™, RapidFire/ SmartTutor™, Head2Head, and LapFAST software? Our simulators run on a standard desktop PC (we recommend at least a Pentium 4 or equivalent) running Windows XP, with an OpenGL-capable graphics card. (Most modern computers meet these requirements; please contact us if you have any questions about specific computer requirements.) All of our software requires an included virtual laparoscopic interface, and EndoTower requires our V-Cam mock camera which attaches to the virtual interface. Verefi offers several system configurations, from software only if you have a capable computer and virtual interface, to turnkey solutions that include a computer, virtual interface, and cart. Head2Head requires two computers and two virtual interfaces to run the multi-user competitive and collaborative modules. What is the setup process for your systems? Is there a regular maintenance program? Setup is simple and straightforward. It involves running the Verefi software installation program, attaching the virtual interface to the computer, and, for EndoTower, installing the drivers for the V-Cam. Verefi offers on-site setup and training with our systems, as well as annual service contracts. Technical support is available via phone and email. How can I track my trainees' progress? All Verefi simulators save application-specific performance metrics such as tool efficiency, path length, time to complete tasks, etc., to a data file. This file can be opened in a spreadsheet program such as Excel, where the data can be filtered or sorted based on criteria such as user, date, module number, or scores, and analyzed using standard statistical tests. In addition to the detailed statistics, a numerical score based on the metrics is computed, which allows for quick comparison to other users and to an expert performance level. We have found that many students are highly motivated to train on our simulators in order to stay competitive with their peers. Is there a standard training program for students and residents? Suggested training protocols, based on studies with and use of our software in the teaching environment, are provided. For instance, RapidFire/SmartTutor includes a content management system that guides users through the training process, only making advanced modules available when more basic ones have been mastered. Program directors are free to use the suggested criteria to determine when students reach expert performance, or they may develop their own training program and criteria. Any simulator would be more attractive to our institution if other departments could use it. Does your software require modification to allow this? No modification is necessary. Because Verefi's simulators use abstract environments instead of specific anatomy to train skills, they are applicable to any discipline where those laparoscopic skills are essential, including gynecology, urology, thoracic and general surgery. Where's the anatomy? Our simulators for minimally invasive surgery are designed by a surgeon for core basic skills training. These skills include interpolation of 2D environments to 3D understanding, the laparoscopic fulcrum effect, spatial awareness, and psychomotor skills such as target acquisition and handling. Studies have shown that novices learn better in simple settings without the distractions of complex realism. Thus, EndoTower and RapidFire/SmartTutor feature purely abstract environments and training tasks designed to facilitate the learning of these skills. LapFast and Head2Head feature a mix of abstract environments/tasks as well as environments and tasks featuring realistic anatomy for more immersive training.