da Vinci-Assisted Surgery Education Program in Cardiac Surgery
To begin da Vinci-assisted surgery in cardiac surgery, the following education programs must be completed.
Form a "da Vinci surgical team" including console surgeons, first assistants, scrub nurses, and clinical engineers, and develop a surgical plan.
The following education programs can be initiated after review of implementing facility certification and surgeon certification. Once approved by the Council, the manufacturer's representative will contact you, so proceed with planning after confirming detailed information regarding training and other matters.
Types of Training
1: Online Training
Understand the basic configuration and functions of da Vinci.
2: On-Site Training
Learn operations using actual da Vinci equipment
Hands-on training at Intuitive Surgical or at each facility
3: Off-Site Training
Training using actual equipment at a tissue lab
Venue: Intuitive Surgical, Fujita Health University Hospital
4: Cadaver Training
Training using actual equipment with cadavers (after completing training 1-3 above)
Venue: Overseas facilities, Fujita Health University Hospital
5: Case Observation
Surgical observation at certified facilities (after completing training 1-3 above)
Venue: Certified observation facilities (physicians)
6: First Assistant Program
Hands-on training as an assistant engaged in da Vinci surgery
※Training 1-3 and 6 are hosted by Intuitive Surgical.
Training 4 and 5 are hosted by the implementing facilities.
Cadaver training implementing facilities must be approved by the Council.
Cadaver training instructors are limited to those approved by the Council.
Certified observation facilities are designated separately by the Council.
Observation certificates are issued by the observation facility, and procedures are conducted in accordance with each facility's regulations.
Those who have not completed the required training are not permitted to operate da Vinci.
Even after completing the education program, continue self-training using actual equipment such as the da Vinci Skills Simulator and dry models to maintain proficiency.
Required Training by Role
- Cardiovascular Surgeon (Console Surgeon)
All of 1-5
- Cardiovascular Surgeon (First Assistant)
1-2 and 6
For facilities newly starting robot-assisted surgery, 5 is also required
While tissue lab training is not mandatory for first assistants, First Assistant Certification can be obtained by participating as an assistant during off-site training for console surgeons.
- Anesthesiologist
1 is recommended
- Clinical Engineer
1 and 2 are recommended
- Nurse (Scrub Nurse)
Same as clinical engineers
Table: List of Required Training
| |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
Training
Type |
Online
Training |
On-Site
Training |
Off-Site
Training |
Cadaver
Training |
Case
Observation |
1st Assistant
Training |
| Console Surgeon |
○ |
○ |
○ |
○ |
○ |
- |
Provisional Console
Surgeon※4 |
○ |
○ |
○ |
|
|
|
First
Assistant
|
○ |
○ |
○※2 |
|
○※1 |
※2 |
| Anesthesiologist |
○ |
|
|
|
|
|
| Clinical Engineer |
○※3 |
○※3 |
|
|
|
|
| Scrub Nurse |
○※3 |
○※3 |
|
|
|
|
※1: Required for facilities newly introducing the system. Not required for the second and subsequent persons at already-certified facilities.
※2: Either participate as an assistant in off-site training or attend first assistant training.
※3: Not required for those who have already completed training for da Vinci surgery in other fields and have experience operating da Vinci.
※4: The content of training 1-3 above differs between first assistant and console surgeon versions. Therefore, provisional console surgeons must newly attend training 1-3 for console surgeons. For more information on provisional console surgeons, see
here.
Details regarding costs and other matters related to obtaining da Vinci certification will be provided by Intuitive Surgical representatives.
Case Observation Training
(1) Case Observation Training for Console Surgeon Certification (Required)
Training must be conducted at a facility with a proctor on staff
The proctor will issue a completion certificate
(2) Team Case Observation Training Before Starting Robot-Assisted Surgery After Certification (Recommended)
Training should be conducted at a facility proficient in robot-assisted surgery
The training facility does not need to have a proctor on staff, but must be a facility with a track record of at least 50 robot-assisted surgeries in total.
※The Council does not mediate requests for case observation training
Conducted under contracts established by the accepting facility
