VALS Equipment Requirements

Computer with internet connection for viewing video-tutorials
Training box with monitor

Laparoscopic Instruments:

• 2 graspers
• Scissors
• Needle drivers
• Knot pusher

Accessories:

• Attachment clip for gauze and foam models
• Peg board
• Suture block

Consumables:

• Gauze pads with circle
• Ligating loops
• Foam models
• Penrose drain models
• Suture

The VALS training system (Figure 1), is presented in cooperation with Limbs and Things Inc.; one of the world’s largest manufacturer of advanced medical training products. LTI is also has the exclusive rights to provide material for our human counterpart; the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) system. The VALS box is currently only manufactured in larger quantities, and therefore for individual purchases the FLS box is an acceptable replacement.

Figure 1. The VALS/ FLS training system consists of a training box, with web camera, led lights, 2 strings with alligator clips. Accessoires and disposable materials for training include attachment clip, suture block, 50 Penrose drain models, 25 circle gauze, and 2 trochars.

For trainees with limited funding, a number of Do-it-yourself options are also available.

All instruments are 5 mm and are 33-36 cm length (except the knot pusher). Instrument depicted below are the standardized set of instruments required for VALS test centers, manufactured by Storz.

• 2 Kelly (Maryland) graspers (figure 5)
• Laparoscopic scissors (Figure 6)
• Knot pusher, open (Figure 6)
• Needle driver (at least one, the VALS test utilizes a set of 2 Szabo-Berci needle drivers ; see figure 6 (The video-tutorial in VALS training session 1, gives more information on handle and jaw types)

Figure 5. Kelly graspers depicted with VALS peg board.

Figure 6. Instruments from top to bottom; laparoscopic scissors, Szabo-Berci needle holder parrot jaw, Szabo-Berci assisting needle holder flamingo jaw, knot pusher open and closed ends.

Peg board

Like the training box, peg boards can be easily constructed out of low-cost materials. Nails can be driven through a board and pieces of tubing act as peg sleeves. The official VALS peg board (used for the test, see figure 7 below) is available at the WSU’s E-Commerce Gateway for VALS.

Figure 7. The pegboard used for VALS.

Jumbo clip (Figure 8) for attachment of gauze pads and foam models within the box. http://www.fls-products.com/products/jumbo-clip-retainer-for-fls-trainer
Suture Block (Figure 9)
http://www.fls-products.com/products/jumbo-clip-retainer-for-fls-trainer

Please note a similar clip and suture block may be included in the FLS/VALS trainer system by Limbs&Things.

All disposable items can be simply constructed out of low-cost materials. However, the source for disposables used in the official VALS test is provided.

• Gauze pads for circle cutting  http://www.fls-products.com/products/category/consumables
• Single use ligating loop  http://www.fls-products.com/products/category/consumables
• Penrose drain models  http://www.fls-products.com/products/category/consumables
• Foam models are available (contact boel_fransson@wsu.edu if questions) through the WSU commerce gateway
• Suture:2/0 silk suture 90 cm, 26 mm ½  http://www.fls-products.com/products/category/consumables

Foam model type used for ligating task in VALS. Contact WSU commerce gateway or boel_fransson@wsu.edu for purchase .questions