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

400

Proficiency benchmark that discriminated novices from experts in the validation study

3

Peer-reviewed publications behind the curriculum

Powered by Michigan

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

400

Proficiency benchmark that discriminated novices from experts in the validation study

3

Peer-reviewed publications behind the curriculum

Powered by Michigan

The Skills

Six core skills. One trainer.

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, a proficiency score of 400 discriminated novices from experts (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.

FVS task trainer with a replaceable silicone insert loaded in the rotating cage

The System

Modular by design

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, 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 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

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

Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery: A New Simulation-Based Curriculum.

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. The FVS curriculum has been validated through peer-reviewed research at the University of Michigan. A proficiency score of 400 discriminated between novice and expert surgeons (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.