The Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology

Surgery

Rosenfeld Hall Interior

Overview

The Center for Advanced Surgical & Interventional Technology (CASIT) unites leaders in medicine, engineering, data science, and behavioral research to invent technologies that optimize patient outcomes. Our work spans digital health, telemedicine, next-generation surgical technologies, wearable diagnostics, and immersive surgical simulation training. 

See what we're creating

Leadership

Contact

Email: casit@mednet.ucla.edu

Phone: (310) 267-8262

Website: Center for Advanced Surgical & Interventional Technology

Equipment

Transforming Surgical Education with Advanced Technology

CASIT partners with industry leaders to provide medical students, residents, and faculty with state-of-the-art surgical education equipment. These cutting-edge tools allow surgeons and proceduralists to continuously develop new skills, refine techniques, and ensure high-quality, safe patient care.

Our facility houses advanced simulators for sonographic, endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic skill development.

A Closer Look at Key Technologies

da Vinci Skills Simulator (Mimic & Intuitive Surgical)

  • A virtual reality simulator replicating the da Vinci robotic surgical system
  • Accurately mimics the real da Vinci control console
  • Enables hands-on practice of robotic surgical techniques

LapSim (Surgical Science)

  • High-fidelity virtual reality simulator for laparoscopic procedures
  • Built-in haptic feedback for realistic tissue response
  • Randomized variables (vessel size, blood volume, etc.) to simulate real-life surgery scenarios

Laparoscopic Box Trainers (SAGES)

  • Simulates the laparoscopic surgical environment
  • Features ports for trochar and laparoscopic tool insertion
  • Includes modular exercises for suturing, object manipulation, and endoloop techniques
  • Used for FLS exam training

GI Mentor (Simbionix)

  • Advanced virtual reality simulator for endoscopic and bronchoscopic procedures
  • Offers a comprehensive library of training modules and real patient cases
  • Used to prepare residents and fellows for the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Skills (FES) exam

SonoSimulator (SonoSim)

  • Virtual reality platform for ultrasound skill training
  • Helps develop hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and diagnostic interpretation
  • Features an extensive library of normal and pathological conditions across multiple specialties

TeamSim (Surgical Science)

  • Virtual reality simulation of an operating room environment
  • Tests and enhances team dynamics and crisis management
  • Generates realistic OR failure scenarios, such as instrument or camera malfunctions, to improve decision-making under pressure

Our Complete Technology Portfolio

Robotic & laparoscopic training

  • Da Vinci (x3) – Robotic-assisted system for precise, minimally invasive surgery.
  • FLS Trainer Box (x3) – Hands-on device for developing laparoscopic surgical skills.
  • SimBionix LapSim (x1) – VR laparoscopic simulator with haptic feedback for psychomotor skill development.

  • SimBionix LapMentor (x1) – Advanced laparoscopic training simulator for individual or team practice.

     

Ultrasound & imaging

  • Ultrasound (x2) – High-frequency sound waves for real-time imaging of organs and tissues.
  • Zeiss S4 Microscope (x1) – Designed for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.
  • Stryker Pinpoint (x1) – High-definition white light and fluorescence imaging for minimally invasive procedures.

  • SonoSim (x2) – Virtual ultrasound scanning platform with real pathological case.

     

Airway & vascular access training

  • Airway Management (x2) – Tools for visualizing and manipulating the larynx during intubation.
  • Central Line Placement (x2) – Training system for catheter insertion into major veins.
  • CentraLine Man (x2) – Realistic soft tissue simulator for internal jugular and subclavian access.

  • FemoraLine Man (x2) – Ultrasound-compatible trainer for femoral line vascular access.

     

Endoscopy & gastrointestinal training

  • GI Mentor (x1) – Simulator for training in upper and lower endoscopic procedures with over 120 cases.

     

Trauma & surgical simulation

  • TraumaMan (x2) – Anatomically correct model for practicing advanced surgical and trauma procedures.
  • Suture Boards (Multiple) – Tools for practicing suturing techniques.
  • Knot Tying Kits (Multiple) – Training tools for mastering essential surgical knots.