VALS Training
When registering for VALS, you will receive 1-year access to video-modules with tutorials and instructions for practice. You will need to have access to a computer, a video-trainer and the required equipment and instruments prior to session 2. See the Required Equipment for the Trainee tab for an equipment list. The lecture in session 1 also depicts information on how to construct a homemade video trainer and other items.
Most of the training takes place at the trainee’s home institution. At the time for Phase 2 (suturing) we encourage the trainee to seek a proctored hands-on training opportunity. This can be either a VALS Preparation Course through a VALS center or through MD Laparoscopic Suturing Courses.
Phase 1
Phase 1 training sessions consist of 6 sessions; 45 minutes to an hour each. The following sessions constitute Phase 1:
- Introduction to VALS and simulation training. Video-recorded lecture
- Peg transfer and pattern cutting exercise. Independent practice
- Peg transfer and ligature loop exercise. Independent practice
- Peg transfer, pattern cut and ligature loop exercise. Independent practice
- Introduction to MIS suturing. Video-recorded lecture
- Intra-corporeal and extra-corporeal knot tying. Independent practice
Independent training sessions (sessions 2-4, and session 6) should ideally be spaced out in time, to maximize the cerebral internalization of the training. One session, or at a maximum 2, per day is the recommended minimum spacing. Better yet, one session per week will provide time to internalize and to keep motivation at a peak. Fatigue and poor retention will become a problem if practice is spaced with little rest between sessions.
When registering with VALS, you will receive online access for one year to video-modules with the lectures, and instructions for practice. You will need to have access to a computer, a video-trainer and the required equipment and instruments prior to session 2. See the Required Equipment for the Trainee tab for an equipment list. The lecture in session 1 also depicts information on how to construct a homemade video trainer and other items.
Phase 2
The second phase of training may be conducted as a VALS Preparation Course, to ensure appropriate skills development. VALS preparation training may also be offered (to a limited number of trainees) at the pre-congress ACVS surgical summit. If a VALS Preparation Course is not available to the trainee, a MD Laparoscopic Suturing Course can be an excellent training opportunity. Please note that the extracorporeal suturing task is different between FLS and VALS.
Phase 2 training is focused around intracorporeal and extracorporeal suturing and knot tying techniques. Prerequisite learning to phase 2 include that the trainee has watched the introduction video, performed all the basic sessions (2-4), and spent one session (session 6) practicing independently. In the VALS Preparation Course the faculty proctored sessions are intended for refinement and trouble-shooting, not for introduction.
Phase 2 is sessions ideally consist of the following:
Session no. Content Type
- Intra-corporeal and extra-corporeal knot tying Faculty proctored
- Intra-corporeal and extra-corporeal knot tying Independent practice
- Intra-corporeal and extra-corporeal knot tying Faculty proctored
- Intra-corporeal and extra-corporeal knot tying Independent practice
When all sessions are completed the trainee can chose to undergo VALS-testing. This can take place at the same day. However, additional training to meet the performance goals greatly increases the chance of obtaining a passing score.