Research & Innovation

Synthetic organs are changing the way surgical training is conducted. These hydrogel models can be manufactured on demand in any required quantity, and significantly reduce the need for the use of animal cadavers (such as chickens, sheep and pigs) during training with the surgical robots. Synthetic organ models are manufactured to accurately reproduce exact organ structures with respect to anatomy, tissue hardness, and response to surgical techniques. They can also provide lifelike responses to manage bleeding or other vessel damage.

Surgical robots are continuously evolving, with new devices and procedures delivering improved precision, miniturisation and articulation in a growing array of surgical specialties. IMRA works with a broad range of surgical robotics companies to offer training across a multiple devices and procedures. IMRA’s robotic manufacturing partners include Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical, Cambridge Medical Robotics and Cook Biomedical.

Simulation is the foundation of training at IMRA. Our surgical simulators provide an immersive virtual reality experience, with high-definition 3D imaging. Simulators have the additional benefit of generating detailed scores of every aspect of the surgical procedure, including duration, accuracy, and movement efficiency. Trainees can quantitatively plot their progress to proficiency.

IMRA's state-of-the-art training facility has been specifically designed and constructed for the needs of robot-assisted surgical training. It features two modern operating rooms with advanced multi-media facilities, lecture rooms, dedicated simulator training rooms, and access to multiple surgical robots used only for training purposes.