The SIMIS (Simulation for Intervention and Surgery) Project
The SIMIS (Simulation for Intervention and Surgery) project, launched in 2019 at the Medical University of Vienna, aims to transform neurosurgical education through advanced simulation technologies. It combines high-fidelity 3D-printed physical models with interactive augmented reality (AR) to create a realistic, risk-free training environment. These simulators accurately replicate patient-specific anatomies, such as unruptured intracranial aneurysms, and allow for hands-on practice using standard surgical instruments. The project is a result of close interdisciplinary collaboration between the Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering (Zentrum für Medizinische Physik und Biomedizinische Technik), the Department of Neurosurgery (Universitätsklinik für Neurochirurgie), the university’s Technology Transfer Office, and international partner Politecnico di Milano. This joint effort ensures technical precision, clinical relevance, and potential for real-world implementation. SIMIS also integrates tools for objective skill assessment, such as tremor analysis and imaging-based evaluation. Recognized with innovation awards, SIMIS sets a new benchmark in surgical training and education.
⇒ SIMIS: Simulation for Intervention and Surgery