Choosing a vascular surgery simulator comes down to one question: does practicing on it actually transfer to the operating room? As vascular care shifts toward endovascular intervention, training platforms have to deliver both realistic imaging and realistic tissue. ReSuture builds simulators around digital fluoroscopy simulation and synthetic vasculature that cuts, dissects, and sutures like live human tissue — so residents, fellows, and practicing surgeons train the same movements, tactile feedback, and decision-making they will use on real patients.

Endovascular and Digital Simulation: The NAVIS Lab

The NAVIS Lab (Navigation and Angio Visualization Integrated Simulator) is ReSuture’s next-generation endovascular simulation platform. It combines radiation-free digital fluoroscopy simulation and surgical device visualization with the same high-quality synthetic vasculature our open surgery systems are known for — a portable, versatile simulator designed to replicate real-world vascular procedures. Replaceable, clinically accurate disease states let users practice a wide range of interventions with unmatched realism. Coming soon — request a demo to be among the first to train on it.

Why Tissue Realism Is the Standard That Matters

Most surgical training tools force a trade-off. Benchtop suture kits are affordable but bear little resemblance to human tissue. Cadaveric and animal labs are realistic but expensive, hard to schedule, and inconsistent. Virtual reality systems teach procedural steps but cannot reproduce the feel of an arteriotomy or the behavior of a needle through an arterial wall.

ReSuture’s simulators close that gap. Our journey began with a novel method for fabricating lifelike artificial human vasculature — synthetic vessels with clinically accurate disease states, including calcified plaque and aneurysm with thrombus, that respond to instruments the way real tissue does. That realism is why our models are used not only for resident education but also by medical device companies for product development, benchtop testing, and physician training.

Open Vascular Surgery Simulation

The Open Vascular Training System (OVTS)

The Open Vascular Training System is the most versatile and comprehensive platform for skills training in open vascular surgery. The OVTS accepts ReSuture’s interchangeable procedural cartridges, so one system supports a full curriculum:

• Carotid endarterectomy (CEA)
• Vascular anastomosis
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair
• Shunting and stent placement
• Arteriotomy and patch angioplasty
• Vascular suturing and tissue handling
• Anatomy and dissection

Procedure-Specific Cartridges and Models

Each cartridge recreates a complete surgical field. The carotid endarterectomy cartridge includes a simulated artery with lifelike plaque, allowing trainees to practice dissection, clamping, plaque removal, and patch angioplasty end to end. Standalone anatomy is also available — from an abdominal aorta with aneurysm and simulated thrombus to straight vessel packs for anastomosis practice, and full arterial and venous system models.

Research-Backed, Data-Driven Training

ReSuture’s mission goes beyond realistic anatomy: we aim to be the first company capable of delivering quantitative data on surgical performance. Supported by a $1M Phase II SBIR grant from the National Science Foundation and the Arizona WearTech Center, we are developing sensing technology and machine learning algorithms that objectively measure surgical skill — in research partnership with the Mayo Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, and the Arizona State University machine learning department. Read more on our Research & Development page.

Who Trains on ReSuture Simulators

• Surgical residency and fellowship programs — a repeatable, procedure-specific curriculum without the cost and scheduling burden of cadaver labs. Academic partners receive first access to new products, collaboration opportunities on published research, and discounted cartridge subscriptions.
• Medical device companies — lifelike vascular anatomy for product development, benchtop testing, regulatory and sales demonstrations, and physician training. Custom and patient-specific vascular models are available.
• Simulation centers and hospitals — durable platforms with replaceable consumables that support high-volume skills training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vascular surgery simulator?

A vascular surgery simulator is a training platform that replicates vascular anatomy and procedures so surgeons can practice skills such as anastomosis, endarterectomy, and aneurysm repair without risk to patients. Simulators range from digital endovascular systems like the ReSuture NAVIS Lab to full open surgery platforms like the OVTS.

How realistic are synthetic vessels compared to human tissue?

ReSuture’s synthetic vasculature is engineered to cut and suture like live human vascular tissue, with clinically accurate disease states including plaque and aneurysm with thrombus. This allows the same instruments, sutures, and techniques used in the operating room.

Can simulators be used for medical device testing?

Yes. ReSuture models are used by medical device companies for benchtop R&D, device evaluation, sales demonstrations, and physician training, and custom or patient-specific anatomy can be fabricated on request.

What procedures can be practiced on the OVTS?

Carotid endarterectomy, AAA repair, vascular anastomosis, shunting and stent placement, arteriotomy and patch angioplasty, plus general vascular suturing, tissue handling, anatomy, and dissection — each via a procedure-specific cartridge.

How do I get pricing or a demonstration?

Request a demo to see the systems hands-on, or request a quote for your program or lab.

Ready to raise the standard of training at your institution? Schedule a demo or contact our team.