Robotic System facilitates Transoral Surgical Procedures

A novel robotic surgical system employs a flexible scope that precisely moves through the body’s natural twists and turns.

The Flex Robotic System is a robot-assist surgical platform that provides surgeons with single-site access and visualization of hard-to-reach anatomical locations. The flexible scope snakes its way to the surgical site; once the surgeon reaches the desired vantage point, the scope turns rigid, forming a stable surgical platform. The on-board, high definition (HD) video vision system then makes it easy to see and operate, using a range of flexible “wristed” 3-mm surgical instruments that allow the surgeon to operate precisely in confined spaces.


The affordable, easy-to-use platform is intended for hospitals and surgeons seeking minimally-invasive treatment options for transoral surgical procedures in the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Pioneered at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA, USA), the system can be used on its own or in conjunction with the highly adjustable Flex Retractor. The Flex Robotic System and Retractor are products of Medrobotics (Raynham, MA, USA), and have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The Flex Robotic System is the first and only robot-assisted surgical platform with a flexible scope cleared by FDA for use during transoral procedures,” said Samuel Straface, PhD, president and CEO of Medrobotics. “The minimally invasive system enables surgical access and visualization in hard-to-reach locations through a single site. Doctors can then complete procedures that might otherwise be difficult, or even impossible, to perform due to inability to visualize or access the site.”

“I’ve been a surgeon since 1960 and this technology is one of the most significant operating room advances I’ve seen in decades. If surgeons can reach a site, they can do some good,” said Eugene Myers, MD, co-chair of the Medrobotics Medical Advisory Board. “The Flex Robotic System makes that possible in a number of head and neck procedures. Further, with this device, the surgeon is positioned close to the patient throughout the procedure. My strong sense is it will also have applications for surgery in other sites.”

Related Links:
Carnegie Mellon University
Medrobotics