At LSI Europe ‘23, a panel of executives from CMR Surgical explored the future of robotic surgery, discussing the challenges in the field and the innovative solutions CMR brings to the table. Through their VersiusⓇ system, CMR Surgical is working to transform the medtech landscape by making minimal access surgery more accessible and effective worldwide. 

The Origins of CMR Surgical

CMR Surgical was founded with the goal of addressing the significant unmet needs in laparoscopic surgery. Luke Hares, CMR’s CTO, shared how his background in various technological developments led to the realization of the potential for a better tool in surgical robotics.

“There was clearly a need for a better tool to enable everyone to have minimal access surgery,” Hares explained. “CMR was founded on the assertion that you could invent a surgical robot that would help the vast majority of people to have the right kind of surgery.”

Addressing Market Penetration Challenges

Despite the numerous benefits of minimal access surgery, its adoption has remained limited. Dr. Mark Slack, Co-Founder and CMO, emphasized the economic and health advantages of laparoscopic surgery and the barriers to its widespread use.

“Less than 50% of people getting surgery get minimal access surgery,” Slack noted. “The United States of America—the most sophisticated health system in the world—only has a penetrance of about 40%. Clearly, something different was needed to meet the need of getting more people minimal access surgery.”

Training and Ergonomics in Robotic Surgery

Robotic systems like Versius simplify the training process for surgeons compared to traditional laparoscopic techniques. Dr. Slack highlighted the ergonomic benefits and the potential for reducing surgeon injuries.

“One of the things we already see is that it’s way easier to train a surgeon on a robotic system than it is on a straight stick, traditional laparoscopic system,” he said, illustrating the ease of learning. “I work closely with surgeons in training. A recent survey we sponsored found that 98% expect to use robotic surgery, citing ease of acquisition and better outcomes but also awareness of ergonomic injuries.”

Software-Driven Ecosystem

The Versius system stands out due to its software-driven ecosystem, designed to continually improve performance and provide comprehensive data for surgeons. Luke Hares explained how Versius’s digital capabilities contribute to better outcomes and continuous improvement.

“Versius is very different from most surgical robots. When you look at Versius, you’ll immediately see that it’s based on small, flexible robot arms,” Hares stated. “The system will track you as you move through those steps. So, you have information coming in as well as guidance.”

Expanding Global Access

CMR Surgical is committed to making robotic-assisted surgery accessible worldwide, especially in underutilized markets. CEO Supratim Bose discussed the company’s strategic approach to market penetration.

“We have grown to 20 markets, including emerging markets not differentiated,” Bose explained. “We put it at a level and build models to enable hospitals to adopt it. We have to be creative in different markets and build a market-appropriate business model. We’re not going to standardize and say this is the only way to approach the market.”

Future of Robotic Surgery

The potential for robotics in surgery extends far beyond current applications. Dr. Slack and Luke Hares shared their vision for the future, where robotic systems become an integral, unnoticed part of surgical procedures.

“It should just be the ubiquitous tool for enabling everyone to have minimal access surgery,” Hares envisioned. Dr. Slack added, “Surgery has to be considered in the whole: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases.”

Conclusion

The full recording of the panel can be found in LSI’s resource hub at the link below:

• Size, Modularity, Portability, Versatility: CMR Surgical's Vision to Scale Surgical Robotics so More Patients Can Receive Minimal Access Surgery

These discussions provided an insightful look into the innovative approaches and future aspirations of CMR Surgical. By addressing the current challenges in the medtech market and offering solutions through their Versius system, CMR Surgical is poised to make significant strides in making robotic surgery more accessible and effective. This not only presents exciting opportunities for medical device investors and promises better outcomes for patients worldwide.