Foundations of Robotic Surgery

Module 1: Orientation
Participants will hear the International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA) story, be introduced to our faculty members and see our facilities. We will outline our education method and courses.

Module 2: Introduction
Prof. Tony Costello details the history of surgical robotics in Australia and internationally. He provides an overview of the key technological features and some of the advantages of surgical robots, and describes the current and projected robotic surgery market including emerging robotic systems expected to enter the healthcare system in the next few years.

Module 3: Robot Setup
Dr Phil Dundee introduces attendees to the da Vinci Xi surgical robot and provides an overview of the system's features. Participants will then watch instructional videos on port handling, robot docking and instrument insertion.

Module 4: Anaesthetics for Robotic Surgery
Dr Sam Costello discusses perioperative and anaesthetic considerations for robotic surgery.

Module 5: Console Setup
Dr Justin Peters introduces participants to the da Vinci Xi surgical console and provides a lecture overview of the da Vinci robot system's features. Attendees will then watch instructional videos on ergonomics and instrument handling.

Module 6: Fundamentals of Operating
Participants will learn about basic robotic instruments: how they work, how they are different to laparoscopic instruments, what tissues they should be used for, and when to use them. They will also be introduced to basic robotic skills such as suturing and knot-tying, and how to dissect tissue and create planes. We will also discuss emergency undocking.

Module 7: Assisting in Robotic Surgery
Most robotic surgeons begin their training at the bedside where they develop their laparoscopic skills, gain anatomical knowledge and learn the procedural steps. Understanding the mechanics and 'buttonology' of robotic surgical machines is a key competency in becoming a robotic surgeon. These complex skills are learned at the bedside and are critical for safe operating.

Module 8: Achieving Robotic Surgical Competences
Attendees will hear from a group of simulation training experts from around the world.

Module 9: Non-Technical Skills for Robotics
Capt. Matthew Gray discusses human factors and non-technical skills in decision-making, and describes the parallels between robotic surgery and aviation training. He uses his vast experience to give three lectures on the intangible aspects of safe aviation: there is much to be learned from aviation that is applicable to safe robotic surgery.

• 9 learning modules
• Foundational principles of robotic surgery
• History, robot and console setup
• Fundamentals of operating, achieving robotic surgical competency and much more
• How to safely practice robotics
• 10–15 hours of self-paced learning to complete in your own time
• Designed by surgeons for
  surgeons
• Content delivered by experts in simulation, high fidelity synthetic models and robotic surgery

• Understand the system features of surgical robots
• Know the steps for safe robot setup
• Be aware of anaesthetic safety considerations for robotic surgery
• Know the principles of good robotic surgical technique at the console and the bedside
• Understand how to achieve robotic surgical competence
• Recognise the importance of human factors in robotic surgical practice

• Prof. Tony Costello, CEO & Director, IMRA
• Assoc Prof. Ahmed Ghazi - Synthetic Organs
• Dr Phil Dundee - Robotic Surgeon
• Dr Rajesh Nair - Robotic Surgeon
• Captain Matthew Gray - Simulation
• Dr Justin Peters - Robotics
• Dr John Lenihan - Simulation
• Dr Sam Costello - Anaesthetist
• Prof. Sandy Heriot - Robotic Surgeon