Virmedex Virtual Experiences is a recently created spin-off that is finalizing the market launch of its first virCPB platform aimed at medical students and professionals so they can train in the technique of cardiopulmonary bypass in a virtual environment.
This first product will validate in the market the work carried out by the team of researchers linked to the Biomedical Engineering Research Center (CREB) of the UPC and the University of Barcelona (UB) around game mechanics in non-leisure activities, known as gamification.
The co-founder and director of Virmedex, Daniela Tost, explained that "games are our passion and we believe that fun is not contrary to excellence." Gamified virtual training based on scientifically validated models is the educational paradigm of the next generation."
Its first virtual game based on a physiological model corresponds to cardiopulmonary bypass, which is a technique that temporarily supplants the function of the heart and lungs during surgery, maintaining blood circulation and the presence of oxygen in the body. Therefore, the virCPB platform is aimed at perfusionists responsible for the operation of the extracorporeal circulation pump in cardiac surgery interventions and nurses who want to specialize in this activity, or doctors, anesthesiologists and surgeons, as well as companies manufacturing extracorporeal pumps.
The platform offers a more economical and accessible form of training, complementary to conventional training and physical simulation, to significantly improve professionals' technical skills on complex devices and communication, increasing their emotional well-being and contributing to safer operations.
"With this gamified software system, they will learn the protocols to follow and make their own decisions, experimenting with a single risk: that the game ends," highlights Daniela Tost.
The founders of the Virmedex spin-off are CREB UPC researchers Daniela Tost Pardell, Núria Bonet Codina and Ariel von Barnekow, who have relied on the experience of medical professionals specialized in cardiopulmonary bypass to develop the software.
To carry out the research for the first product, the project promoters have worked with Dr. Carmen Gomar, from the UB, and with the care coordinator of the Cardiovascular Perfusion Unit of Hospital Clínic, Dr. Maite Mata. They have also partnered with various national and international organizations such as hospitals, research centers, and companies.
"Gamified virtual training based on scientifically validated models is the educational paradigm of the next generation," the founders defend.This project has been co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) and has the support of the Secretariat of Universities and Research of the Department of Business and Knowledge of the Generalitat de Catalunya.