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Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery System

$985.00

The Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery (FVS) System is the first research-validated, modular simulation system for teaching the core skills of vaginal surgery. Developed at the University of Michigan, it combines a vaginal surgery task trainer, replaceable silicone tissue inserts, and a competency-based curriculum with structured assessment tools.

Vaginal surgical case volumes in residency continue to decline. FVS gives programs a validated way to build and assess these skills outside the OR.

6
Core vaginal surgical skills, from knot tying to pedicle ligation
5 of 5
Experienced surgeons cleared the proficiency threshold in validation; 0 of 6 novices did (Schmidt et al., 2021)
4
Peer-reviewed publications behind the curriculum

The Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery (FVS) System is the first research-validated, modular simulation system for teaching the core skills of vaginal surgery. Developed at the University of Michigan, it combines a vaginal surgery task trainer, replaceable silicone tissue inserts, and a competency-based curriculum with structured assessment tools.

Vaginal surgical case volumes in residency continue to decline. FVS gives programs a validated way to build and assess these skills outside the OR.

6
Core vaginal surgical skills, from knot tying to pedicle ligation
5 of 5
Experienced surgeons cleared the proficiency threshold in validation; 0 of 6 novices did (Schmidt et al., 2021)
4
Peer-reviewed publications behind the curriculum

The Skills

Six core skills. One trainer.

The six FVS tasks: one-handed and two-handed knot tying, running suturing, plication suturing, Heaney transfixion pedicle ligation, and free pedicle ligation
1. One-Handed Knot Tying
Trainer hook and free tie, no consumable
2. Two-Hand Knot Tying
Trainer hook and free tie, no consumable
3. Running Suturing
Task 3 replaceable silicone insert
4. Plication Suturing
Task 4 replaceable silicone insert
5. Heaney Transfixion Pedicle Ligation
Task 5 replaceable silicone insert
6. Free Pedicle Ligation
Task 6 replaceable silicone insert

In the University of Michigan validation study, FVS scores reliably separated novices from experienced surgeons: every expert cleared the proficiency threshold and no novice did (Schmidt et al., AJOG 2021). The curriculum pairs each task with scoring rubrics, proficiency benchmarks, and video tutorials, so programs run structured, competency-based training instead of open-ended practice.

Exploded view of the FVS trainer: silicone ring insert, retaining collar, and the task trainer cage with a tissue insert loaded

The System

Modular by design

Three parts stack to set the operative field. The width restrictor on top narrows the working aperture and comes in three skin tones, all replaceable as they wear. Below it, the spacer ring holds the field open at full depth so an instructor can watch the trainee's hands and needle angles from above; a simple twist removes it, dropping the field to a shallower depth for an easier rep. The cage underneath carries the silicone tissue insert for whichever task is being trained.

Four replaceable silicone insert types cover Tasks 3 through 6; the two knot-tying tasks use the trainer's hook and free tie. Replacement inserts are sold in packs of 10 per task, from $5 per insert, so a skills lab keeps training at a low cost per learner without repurchasing hardware. Order replacement insert packs here.

What's included: the vaginal surgery task trainer with adjustable positioning, width restrictors in all three skin tones, the validated FVS curriculum with assessment tools and video tutorials, and 20 starter inserts (5 of each of the 4 insert types). Ships from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Request a Volume Quote →

The Curriculum

A validated curriculum, not just a trainer.

FVS was designed from the start as a complete training system. The published pilot study defines it in three parts: the trainer itself, "a validated regimen of tasks to be performed on the trainer," and objective performance measures to determine proficiency (Schmidt et al., AJOG 2021). Every FVS System includes all three.

The curriculum "allows learners to focus on basic skills, rather than on an entire specific procedure."

— Schmidt & Fenner, OBG Management, 2022

Built by task analysis
The six tasks were selected through a needs assessment and hierarchical task analyses, then refined by review and consensus from an expert panel.
Watch, then perform
Each task starts with a standardized instructional video. Learners then perform the task three times against the clock. The best score counts.
Objective, comparable scores
Timed, penalty-adjusted task scores are normalized and summed into a single composite across all six tasks: one number a program can track over time.
A defensible proficiency benchmark
The 400-point benchmark was set using contrasting-groups standard setting: every experienced surgeon in the validation study exceeded it, and no novice reached it. It serves as an objective benchmark for tracking learner progress.

The curriculum travels, too. FVS has been evaluated with OB/GYN residents in Accra, Ghana, supporting structured vaginal surgery training in low-resource settings (Bangura et al., International Urogynecology Journal, 2025).

The Team and the Evidence

Developed at the University of Michigan

FVS was created and validated by the Michigan Medicine team behind the published curriculum.

Payton Schmidt, MD
Urogynecology, Michigan Medicine
Lead author of the FVS validation study
Deborah Rooney, PhD
Director of Education and Research in Simulation, U-M Clinical Simulation Center
Co-author of the FVS validation study

Peer-Reviewed Publications

2025
Evaluating Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery for use among obstetrics and gynecology residents in Accra, Ghana.
Bangura M, Ganyaglo G, Kupualor D, et al. International Urogynecology Journal. 36(9):1839-1846.
PubMed
2021
The Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery pilot study: developing, validating, and setting proficiency scores for a vaginal surgical skills simulation system.
Schmidt PC, Fairchild PS, Fenner DE, Rooney DM. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 225(5):558.e1-558.e11.
PubMed
2022
How to teach vaginal surgery through simulation.
Schmidt PC, Fenner DE. OBG Management. 34(3):28-34.
Read the article
2020
Deliberate Practice: Applying the Expert Performance Approach to Gynecologic Surgical Training.
Schmidt PC, Fenner DE. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 63(2):295-304.
PubMed

Questions

Common questions

What is included in the FVS system?
The complete FVS system includes the vaginal surgery task trainer, 20 starter inserts (five each of the four insert types), and the validated curriculum with assessment tools, video tutorials, and proficiency benchmarks.
How long do the silicone inserts last?
Each silicone insert is designed for single use. Replacement inserts are sold in packs of 10 per task, or contact us for volume pricing.
Is the curriculum validated?
Yes. In peer-reviewed validation at the University of Michigan, FVS scores reliably distinguished novice from expert surgeons: every experienced surgeon cleared the proficiency threshold and no novice did (Schmidt et al., 2021).
Can I order replacement inserts separately?
Yes. Insert packs are available in the store, or request a quote for institutional orders.
How does shipping work?
The FVS System ships from Ann Arbor, Michigan with flat-rate $35 ground shipping in the United States. For international orders, request a quote and we will arrange shipping to your institution.