Advanced Surgical Simulation focused on Endonasal Surgeries

Medical Devices
Looking for:CEO / Business Lead, CFO, Collaborations
Surgical Steps has developed a novel VR surgical training platform that integrates real-time cognitive decision modeling with anatomical simulation—a capability not present in current simulators.
Contact About This Opportunity
Contact
Leah Langlais
Mgr, Venture Development , Tech Launch Arizona
(520) 626-0639

The Problem

There is a critical unmet need in surgical training. Complication rates are nearly 10% of the 600,000 sinus surgeries performed annually in the US. Access to simulation is severely restricted and the simulation techniques available are inadequate for proper training.

The Solution

We have developed a technically innovative fusion of (1) dynamic SHERPA/HTA-based decision trees, (2) real-time CT-to-3D anatomical rendering, and (3) contextual, tool-triggered cognitive assessments. These components enable training not only of motor skills, but of real-time decision-making, error mitigation, and spatial awareness—essential competencies in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), which is anatomically complex and carries a steep learning curve. Using curated radiologic and clinical datasets, we will build case scenarios that incorporate disease progression, comorbidities, and diagnostic dilemmas. The AI engine will guide trainees through reasoning steps, linking imaging interpretation, pathology, and procedural choices. This cognitive scaffolding in VR does not currently exist in any ESS simulator.

The Opportunity

This innovation will address a critical unmet need in surgical training, where technical complexity, time constraints, and variability in teaching compromise learning. Our initial commercial focus targets surgical simulation centers and medical device companies. Currently, over 600,000 sinus surgeries are performed annually in the U.S. Complication rates range from 5–10%, often due to trainee inexperience. Typically, trainees are restricted to 80-hour work weeks, limiting hands-on learning opportunities. The global surgical simulation market is projected to exceed $7B by 2030.

Status

Surgical Steps is a university-industry collaboration developing clinically validated, VR-based training tools to transform procedural education. Our mission is to reduce surgical error through immersive learning that blends anatomy, physiology, and cognitive performance.

Contact us today.

Talk to a Tech Launch Arizona Venture Development Manager to learn more and get connected to the inventor.
Contact Us Startup

Leah Langlais

Mgr, Venture Development
Tech Launch Arizona
(520) 626-0639

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