Miyazaki Enterprises
Innovative Simulation Training Models for Gynecological Surgeries

Vaginal hysterectomy or the removal of the uterus through the vagina is the safest and most cost-effective method to treat various gynecological problems, including fibroids, endometriosis, incontinence, and organ prolapse, among others. Like any other vaginal surgery procedure, surgeons need to have the right skillsets and comprehensive knowledge of anatomical landmarks to perform a vaginal hysterectomy. This can only be achieved with proper training and continuous practice. However, given the dramatic decrease in the case volume of vaginal hysterectomy, it has become a real challenge to offer residents the much-needed standardized environment to learn and practice. “When I graduated, I performed about 135 procedures during the training. The current national average of vaginal hysterectomies is about 15, which shows an 85 percent decline,” says Dr. Douglas Miyazaki, the President at Miyazaki Enterprises. No wonder the healthcare system is today reliant on more expensive and invasive laparoscopic and robotic methods.

This is where Miyazaki Enterprises is making a world of difference with its realistic and award-winning training models for surgical simulation and general education. The company was founded by Dr. Miyazaki, who noted how live surgeries and the use of training cadavers could lead to patient risks, liability risks, and availability constraints. He set out on a mission to offer an innovative surgical simulation tool with lifelike quality and appropriate anatomical placement, ultimately allowing residents to learn in low-risk environments. After about ten years of research and development, Dr. Miyazaki finally created the all-in-one Miya Model—a testament to his innovative mind and entrepreneurial skills. It simulates a plethora of surgical and non-surgical procedures: basic gynecologic exam, dilation and curettage (D&C),diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy, cystoscopy, pelvic reconstructive surgery, urinary incontinence procedures, and vaginal hysterectomy.

The Miya Model is our flagship product. It allows users to safely learn and improve surgery techniques and practices repetitively so that they can perform with accuracy “before” going to the OR, states Dr. Miyazaki.

The Miya Model is a female pelvic anatomy model that mimics realistic surgical experiences with customizable anatomical features and presentations while supporting a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures.

The Miya Model consists of a pelvic frame and multiple replaceable anatomic cartridges, which realistically simulate the anatomy and thus actual surgical procedures. It is designed with lifelike skin and life-size organs, realistic cutting and puncturing tensions, palpable surgical landmarks, a pressurized vascular system that bleeds with improper surgical technique, along with an inflatable bladder that leaks water if damaged. The realistic anatomy allows surgeons to cut, sew, and dissect on the model and perform full operative procedures. Physicians and credentialing committees can also review the performance of residents. Miyazaki Enterprises has published an NIH-sponsored multi-centered trial for evaluating “Minimal surgeon competency, i.e., pass/fail metrics, for vaginal hysterectomy training,” Establishing Validity for a Vaginal Hysterectomy Simulation Model for Surgical Skills Assessment, Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Nov; 136(5): 942–949.

The Miya Model has been used in many National and International hysterectomy courses and has the distinction of being approved by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology for MOC (Maintenance of Certification) credits as part of a Hysterectomy/Urinary incontinence sling course.

Going the extra mile, Miyazaki Enterprises provides an entire information portfolio to communicate the best practices of using the model. They have also developed and published an APP called the “Miya APP” or “Miyazaki APP,” which is a free download on Apple and Android platforms for the most common Urogynecology procedures in vaginal surgery.

With an unwavering dedication to initiate a new era of teaching vaginal hysterectomy, Miyazaki Enterprises has engaged in multiple studies, including a large NIH study on teaching vaginal hysterectomy, which will be completed by 2023.
Currently, Miyazaki Enterprises is serving both national and international clients. Striding ahead, it will expand its global footprint and add more anatomic parts to offer a diverse range of training.