SimNow Library

Your resource for skills exercises, procedure simulations, and technical enhancements available in the latest releases of da Vinci SimNow software.

Included in software update v1.8

Available June 2023. This release improves existing modules to further support thoracic and urologic surgeons, while also bringing connectivity and multi-system compatibility updates.

Please note that all upgrades from prior versions to v1.8 will need to occur via an ethernet connection.

SimNow training module showing a prostatectomy

Prostatectomy module updates

Urologic surgeons will see an improved tissue response and more realistic suturing experience when practicing.

SimNow training module showing a lobectomy

Lobectomy module updates

Thoracic surgeons will experience an improved lung tissue response and clearer guidance on body cavity limits.

Connectivity improvements: WiFi networking

Users now have the option of using a USB WiFi device to connect their SimNow, reducing the need for a hard-wired internet connection.

Device will remember the password, once configured
Additional information about network status now displayed on the simulator

Multi-system swapping

Users will notice clearer on-screen messaging and less time for SimNow to update reprogram when moving between the da Vinci Si, X, Xi, and SP systems at their institution.

Technology updates

This release also includes key system compatibility updates, minor bug fixes, and procedure module tuning.

Check your version

Your new software will be installed automatically as long as your SimNow simulator is connected to ethernet and power overnight. Check if SimNow has updated by looking for the v 1.8 version number at the bottom of the login screen.

Included in software update v1.7

Available November 2022. This release adds additional modules to further support new to intermediate general surgeons. Please note that all upgrades from prior versions to v1.7 will need to occur via an ethernet connection.

A hernia mesh is guided over affected area

Guided inguinal hernia mesh placement + fixation

General surgeons can practice their hernia mesh placement and fixation techniques in a consequence-free environment with step-by-step guidance.

Focused on general surgery for new to intermediate surgeons
Walks through placement of 10x15 mesh and fixation with suture
Focus on steps + techniques in needle driving and knot tying in clinical environment
Available only when SimNow is connected to da Vinci X/Xi system consoles

Guided cholecystectomy

General surgeons can practice a straightforward cholecystectomy in a consequence-free environment with step-by-step guidance.

Focused on general surgery for new to immediate surgeons
Walks through steps for basic cholecystectomy

Dissection and tissue effects
Realism and visual features

Highlights Force Bipolar, Suction Irrigator, and Firefly
Available only when SimNow is connected to da Vinci X/Xi system consoles

Included in software update v1.6

Available April 2022. This release adds revamped thoracic surgery modules to the library and includes key system compatibility updates.

Lobectomy procedure modules

The lobectomy modules have been overhauled and expanded to include all 5 lobes of the lung. Thoracic surgeons can practice their robotic lobectomy approach and techniques in a consequence-free environment.

Choose to train on any of the 5 lobes of the lung
See more realistic tissue effects for manipulation and dissection
Practice with SureForm stapling in a simulated clinical environment
Utilize both monopolar and bipolar energy

Technology updates

Along with new modules for thoracic surgeons, the release includes under-the-hood technology enhancements. Key system compatibility updates and minor bug fixes are also included in this software package.

Included in software update v1.5

Available November 2021. This release adds to your library of general surgery procedure simulations and enables wireless networking.

SimNow training module showing a hernia mesh

Inguinal hernia mesh placement and fixation module

Building on the existing portfolio of inguinal hernia simulations, this experience adds to the anatomy identification and incision and dissection inguinal hernia modules already available on SimNow for general surgery.

Surgeons can practice needle driving and knot tying in a simulated clinical space
Practice tissue retraction while needle driving in a consequence-free environment
The exercise features a 10x15 cm standard mesh and non-barbed suture

SimNow cholecystitis module showing da Vinci Firefly

Guided acute cholecystitis module

This new general surgery module is designed to support surgeons in understanding the steps and techniques for a complex cholecystectomy.

Expands existing modules for freehand straightforward and freehand acute cholecystitis modules
Highlights da Vinci Suction Irrigator and Force Bipolar instruments
Enables hands-on experience of da Vinci Firefly without requiring physical administration of ICG, and trains on the Firefly finger switch and control with console touchpad

Surgeon at a da Vinci system console operating the controls

Wireless networking options

SimNow networking functionality now includes support for customer-driven wireless as well as ethernet connections. The option to connect with SimNow wirelessly can provide flexibility for a busy training program. For example, wireless networking may be advantageous for using your simulator in multiple locations around a hospital.

To enable wireless networking, a hospital works with their internal IT team to configure the network and requires a plug and play Windows 10 compatible USB Wi-Fi device.

Get in touch

For troubleshooting, our customer support teams are available to answer questions about networking, software upgrades, or technology features. To find out about getting started with SimNow, please reach out to your Intuitive sales representative.

Contact email

Design and implementation have been rigorously evaluated and awarded third-party certifications for privacy and security compliance with globally recognized HITRUST and NIST Cybersecurity & Privacy Frameworks.

Disclosures and important safety information

Important safety information

Serious complications may occur in any surgery, including surgery with a da Vinci system, up to and including death. Examples of serious or life-threatening complications, which may require prolonged and/or unexpected hospitalization and/or reoperation, include but are not limited to, one or more of the following: injury to tissues/organs, bleeding, infection, and internal scarring that can cause long-lasting dysfunction/pain.

Risks specific to minimally invasive surgery, including surgery with a da Vinci system, include but are not limited to, one or more of the following: temporary pain/nerve injury associated with positioning; a longer operative time, the need to convert to an open approach, or the need for additional or larger incision sites. Converting the procedure could result in a longer operative time, a longer time under anesthesia, and could lead to increased complications. Contraindications applicable to the use of conventional endoscopic instruments also apply to the use of all da Vinci instruments.

For important safety information, including surgical risks and considerations, please also refer to www.intuitive.com/safety. For a product’s intended use and/or indications for use, risks, full cautions, and warnings, please refer to the associated user manual(s).

Individual outcomes may depend on a number of factors—including but not limited to—patient characteristics, disease characteristics, and/or surgeon experience.

Da Vinci SimNow

The da Vinci SimNow is intended to augment, not replace, existing training programs for the da Vinci surgical systems.

Limitations of training and proctoring

Nothing in Intuitive’s training curricula makes expressed or implied promises or commitments to the persons attending. This includes any promise or commitment that the trainee will be provided any specific product or technology in future or that the trainee will be certified to perform a procedure related to the curriculum.

Some of the training described in Intuitive promotions may be provided by organizations or entities other than Intuitive.

Surgeon/physician proctors are independent contractors. The prices listed for proctoring are for services rendered by the independent surgeon/physician proctors. A list of proctors can be provided upon request. Intuitive does not take responsibility for proctoring services provided by independent proctors. The hospital/surgeon/physician purchases the proctoring service as part of training they have independently determined to be part of their credentialing requirement; Intuitive’s role is merely to coordinate between the hospital/surgeon/physician and the proctor.

The proctors and the hospital/surgeon/physician are always free to negotiate with each other directly.