How Clinicians Help Shape Our Products
At VATA, we believe the key to creating truly effective medical simulation tools lies in real-world experience. That’s why we collaborate with clinicians who face the demands of healthcare every day. Their expertise fuels the creation of our innovative, true-to-life models, delivering unparalleled training opportunities for doctors, nurses, and students—and ultimately raising the standard of patient care.
Expert Collaboration: Dr. Michael Zenn
A standout example of this collaboration is our Suture Skills Trainer, co-developed with Dr. Michael Zenn—former Director of the Human Tissue Lab at Duke University and current Director of Zenn Plastic Surgery. Dr. Zenn’s expertise guided the creation of a trainer that replicates the feel of human tissue, providing a cost-effective, portable alternative to cadaveric or animal material.
“Mastering suturing takes practice,” Dr. Zenn explains. “VATA’s suture trainer feels like real human tissue and offers a complete, compact, and durable solution for students on the go.”
Designed with his input, the Suture Skills Trainer mimics the texture and resistance of human tissue and includes:
- High-quality suturing instruments
- A tensioning device for precision
- Long-lasting, reusable tissue pads
- A sleek, portable case
Dr. Zenn also collaborated with us on an instructional video, teaching 10 essential suturing techniques plus a stapling method—ensuring students get expert guidance from start to finish!
Explore the Suture Skills Trainer here!
Real-World Impact: LSU’s Intern Boot Camp
When we developed the Suture Skills Trainer, Dr. Zenn envisioned it as an alternative to human tissue in medical education…
And today, it’s an essential tool at Louisiana State University’s (LSU) Intern Boot Camp, where it provides surgical interns with hands-on practice and essential skills as they prepare for their residencies.
“One of the first topics we cover is the proper choice of suture and needles as well as the technique for suturing and knot tying. We used animal tissue prior to acquiring the VATA suture models,” says Dr. John Morrison, Professor and Clinical Specialist at LSU. “The response from residents, faculty, and medical students has been very positive—they’re particularly complementary of the “natural feel” of the model. The models are also easy to store, there is no need to dispose of animal tissue, and they’re extremely durable. VATA’s Suture Skills Trainer will continue to play a crucial role in our Boot Camp and other suturing training sessions at LSU.”
This hands-on experience helps students build confidence and hone their skills, preparing them for real-world patient care.
Advancing Medical Education, One Stitch at a Time
Our collaboration with experts like Dr. Zenn ensures we create tools that align with the real-world needs of clinicians, students, and educators. Together, we’re not just building better training tools—we’re empowering future providers and improving patient care, one stitch at a time. 😉