Device Technologies partners to usher in a paradigm shift in surgical robotics

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Robotic systems have recently been introduced into micro- and supermicrosurgery showing clinical benefits. Device Technologies has partnered with Medical Microinstruments (MMI), marking a significant milestone in their joint efforts to enhance surgical outcomes and broaden patient access to treatment options throughout the Asia Pacific Region (APAC).

At the forefront of this collaboration is the cutting-edge Symani Surgical System, a testament to precision and control in surgical robotics. MMI’s distribution agreement with Device Technologies will lead the introduction of the Symani Surgical System to Australia, where it recently received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), in addition to Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Macau, and New Zealand upon applicable regulatory approvals.

Uniquely tailored to meet the demands of microsurgery, this robotics system stands out by closely replicating human hand movements on a micro-scale. Unlike humans, it does not experience physical tiredness, nor twitching and is able to hold a certain position indefinitely.

Equipped with the world’s smallest wristed instruments, the Symani Surgical System promises to play a pivotal role in a range of procedures, including trauma reconstructions, lymphatic surgeries, and free flap reconstructions in complex oncological surgeries. It is designed to help restore quality of life for more patients, accelerate the number of surgeons able to push the boundaries of complex procedures for delicate anatomy, and enable hospitals to expand their open surgical programs

Heath Priestly, Managing Director at Device Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising the company’s commitment to advancing medical solutions and patient outcomes. He stated “We have always been committed to offering diverse, innovative medical solutions to advance patient outcomes. The Symani Surgical System complements our existing portfolio by addressing a specific niche in microsurgery. This collaborative effort demonstrates our unwavering dedication to delivering cutting-edge surgical solutions for healthcare professionals operating within the APAC region.”

In its dedication to advancing robotic microsurgery, Device Technologies has also announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art research and education centre. This centre will serve as the pioneering hub in Central Asia, enabling surgeons to deepen their expertise in the Symani Surgical System in collaboration with a leading medical institution.

To evaluate the accessibility of the robot and implementation into daily surgical practice, a group of surgeons evaluated “the potentially biggest limitation – the learning curve”.

“Drawbacks that need to be considered when implementing the use of such external tools are time loss in preparing the surgical field, with the need for skilled personnel that is trained to adequately set it up in a timely fashion, as well as the time needed for its draping and the need to suspend the surgery to swing in and out the robot. These factors increase operational costs and surgery length, thus also partly prolonging the overall amount of anaesthesia time for the patient,” said the study authors despite expressing great enthusiasm for its use in performing more complex surgeries.

Matt Lemay, Vice President of Asia Pacific at MMI, highlighted the significance of this collaboration and the potential it holds for medical innovation in the region. He remarked “APAC has consistently been a beacon of innovation in the medical field. By partnering with Device Technologies, we look forward to bringing the specialised capabilities of the Symani Surgical System to the forefront. We are thrilled to be advancing our mission of increasing treatment options for patients with complex conditions. We are enthusiastic about global progress and look forward to continuing our momentum in APAC and beyond.”

Mr Priestly added “Originating in Australia, we have broadened our presence throughout the Asia Pacific region, establishing expertise and strong connections. We are eager to use our footprint to support MMI’s health system partnerships across the region and further increase patient access to sophisticated surgical techniques for complex conditions.”

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