Robotic Surgery Platform Facilitates Laparoscopic Procedures

A new robotically assisted surgical device (RASD) helps direct small surgical instruments and a camera with precise movements and comfort.

The TransEnterix (Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) Senhance is a multi-port robotic system intended to assist in the accurate control of laparoscopic instruments for visualization and endoscopic manipulation of tissue, which includes grasping, cutting, approximation, ligation, blunt and sharp dissection, electrocautery, suturing, mobilization, and retraction. The system is designed so that the surgeons is provided with a three dimensional (3-D) high-definition view of the surgical field and remote control of three separate robotic arms while sitting at a cockpit console unit.

The system also includes technological characteristics that include force feedback, which provides the surgeon with haptic control to sense the stiffness of tissue being grasped by the robotic arm; and eye sensing camera control, which helps further control movement of the surgical tools. The system utilizes an open architecture, which allows hospitals and surgeons to leverage existing technology investments within the operating room ecosystem. The reusable instruments are based on laparoscopic colorectal and gynecological surgery tools.

“Millions of surgical procedures in the United States are performed each year laparoscopically with basic manual tools that limit surgeons’ capability, comfort, and control,” said Todd Pope, President and CEO of TransEnterix. “New choices are needed that enhance the senses, control and comfort of the surgeon, minimize the invasiveness of surgery for the patient, and maximize value for the hospital. Senhance is this new choice.”

“Surgeons are approaching the boundaries of minimally invasive care performed with handheld manual instruments and cameras, and are seeking new technologies that will allow us to advance beyond these boundaries,” said Steve Eubanks, MD, of Florida Hospital (Orlando, USA). “The future will be driven by the appropriate use of robotics and information tools in the operating room. The Senhance platform grants laparoscopic surgeons robotic precision, control of our vision, and haptic feedback, while minimizing procedural costs, and is a welcome revolution in our field.”

TransEnterix is a late-stage surgical robotics company, founded in 2006, that acquired the surgical robotics division of SOFAR S.p.A in 2015. This included the TELELAP ALF-X advanced robotic system, which is now being commercialized as the Senhance robotic system.

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