Creating a virtual simulator for bariatric endoscopic procedures

Development and Validation of a Virtual Bariatric Endoscopic (ViBE) simulator

['FUNDING_R01'] · FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIV · NIH-10897220

This study is creating a virtual reality training tool to help doctors learn how to perform a safe and effective weight-loss procedure called Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, so they can get better at it without putting patients at risk.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorFLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TALLAHASSEE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10897220 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a virtual reality simulator designed to train healthcare professionals in performing Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), a minimally invasive procedure for treating obesity. The simulator will provide visual and haptic feedback to enhance the learning experience, making it easier for practitioners to gain the necessary skills without the risks associated with live procedures. By establishing a formal curriculum and competency standards, this project aims to improve the training process for ESG, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. The simulator will be validated through rigorous testing to ensure its effectiveness in teaching these complex skills.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with morbid obesity who may benefit from innovative endoscopic procedures like ESG.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for bariatric procedures or those who do not have access to trained healthcare providers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved training for healthcare providers, resulting in safer and more effective obesity treatments for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using virtual reality for medical training, indicating that this approach has the potential to be effective.

Where this research is happening

TALLAHASSEE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.