Ben Salisbury, CEO of Marion Surgical, discusses how virtual reality and robotic simulators are transforming surgical training. From practicing kidney stone removal on virtual patients to creating an alien-themed surgical game, Salisbury shares insights on innovation, overcoming startup challenges, and preparing the next generation of surgeons.
Transforming Surgery with Virtual Reality
Ben Salisbury, CEO of Marion Surgical, is redefining how surgeons train. “One thing I find funny is when people put on VR for the first time,” Salisbury shares, “they start walking around with the headset on, completely lost in the virtual environment.”
Marion Surgical specializes in virtual reality surgical simulation for robotic and minimally invasive procedures. “If a surgeon has a surgery scheduled for the next day, they can practice it in VR the day before,” Salisbury explains. Using patient CT scans turned into 3D models, surgeons rehearse the procedure, saving time and improving outcomes.
From Infinite Practice to Real Impact
Marion Surgical has converted over 100 CT scans into 3D models, creating a library of unusual and challenging cases. “Surgical error is reported to cause as many as 180,000 deaths per year in the US alone,” Salisbury notes. Better training and rehearsal through VR can dramatically reduce mistakes and improve patient safety.
The Fun Side of Surgical Simulation
Marion Surgical is also releasing a VR game on Steam, called Minimally Invasive, where players operate on aliens and cyborgs. “It accelerates development because nobody knows what alien tissue should feel like,” Salisbury says. The game provides a fun, low-risk environment while still teaching fine motor skills and surgical precision.
How the Technology Works
Salisbury explains the core of the system: a VR headset paired with haptic tools that simulate the feel of surgery. “You step into a virtual OR, pick up your surgical tool, and it feels real. You can sense resistance, the pop of entering tissue, everything.” In robotic surgery simulations, the platform mirrors the console and controls used in real operations.
Global Adoption and Feedback
Marion Surgical’s technology is already being piloted in hospitals across Canada, the US, and Europe, as well as by medical device companies like Boston Scientific. “Surgeons often get lost in the VR experience. It’s amazing to see them fully immersed and learning in a realistic environment,” Salisbury says.
Data, AI, and the Future of Surgery
The platform also collects extensive performance metrics. “We can measure tool paths, tissue damage, and applied forces. This data can eventually inform AI-assisted robotic surgeries, helping optimize procedures and outcomes,” he adds.
Overcoming Startup Challenges
Salisbury shares the hurdles of founding Marion Surgical in 2016. “Initially, everyone was skeptical about surgeons using VR. Educating investors, partners, and surgeons was a major challenge.” Navigating VR trends, hardware limitations, and even dodging potential investment scams shaped the company’s journey.
From PhD to Entrepreneur
Salisbury’s journey began in entertainment and engineering software. During his PhD, he prototyped VR heart surgery using Google Cardboard. A surgeon partner inspired him to focus on urology, ultimately making kidney stone removal the first application of Marion Surgical’s VR platform. “The PhD became the job,” he laughs.
Remote Work, Team Synergy, and COVID-19
During COVID-19, Salisbury was confined to Manchester, UK, and used the lockdown to develop the alien-cyborg game. Remote work presents challenges, but Marion Surgical relies on Discord and Trello to maintain team synergy. “Meeting face-to-face is important, but remote work also allows for deep focus and productivity,” he says.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Marion Surgical plans to expand the simulator to more surgeries, including liver and gynecology procedures, and integrate ultrasound alongside X-ray. The company hopes the game inspires future surgeons while teaching essential skills.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Perseverance is key. “Obstacles will come, but overcoming them matters more than having the best idea or team. Feedback is also critical—listen, tweak, and iterate to build something people truly need,” Salisbury advises.
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