Asensus places first Senhance surgical robot for pediatrics in Japan

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Senhance is designed to keep time and cost per procedure down. Source: Asensus Surgical

Asensus Surgical Inc. today announced that Nagoya University Hospital in Japan agreed last month to lease its Senhance surgical robot. This is the first pediatric installation in Japan and the fourth globally for Senhance in 2023, said the company.

“The Senhance System is specifically equipped to meet the demands of pediatric surgery, and we are excited to work with Nagoya University Hospital,” said Anthony Fernando, president and CEO of Asensus Surgical, in a release.

“With its specialized instrumentation and advanced clinical intelligence, the system offers a unique advantage for pediatric patients, reducing invasiveness and increasing precision in a way that sets it apart,” he said. “Our experience in Europe and the U.S. has shown success in various pediatric procedures, and we’re eager to extend these benefits in Japan.”

Asensus develops Senhance, LUNA to improve outcomes

Asensus Surgical claimed that its combination of machine vision, augmented intelligence, and deep-learning capabilities could improve healthcare outcomes. The company designed Senhance for use in general laparoscopic and laparoscopic gynecological procedures.

It won clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. Since then, Asensus has secured expanded indications, deals with Google and Nvidia, and hospital placements around the world.

Nagoya University Hospital, Japan, initiated a Senhance Surgical System dedicated to pediatric procedures. Source: Asensus Surgical

Senhance became the first digital laparoscopic surgery system for children when the FDA cleared its pediatric indication in March, according to Asensus.

While the system encountered a recall because of “unintended movement,” Senhance is currently available in the U.S., EU, Japan, Russia, and other countries.

Asensus added that it has built on digital laparoscopy and the Senhance Surgical System to develop LUNA, a next-generation robot whose Intelligent Surgical Unit is designed to increase surgeon control and reduce surgical variability. It recently conducted an in vivo lab evaluation of LUNA.

Fourth deployment in Japan aimed at children

The Nagoya University Hospital deployment marked the continued expansion for Asensus in Japan. Over the past year or so, company has placed Senhance systems at Kashiwa and Kitakyushu General Hospital. In addition, Saiseikai Shiga Hospital in Ritto, Japan, agreed to lease a surgical robot.

“The Senhance System provides a valuable solution for pediatric surgery,” stated Dr. Hiroo Uchida of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Nagoya University Hospital. “Designed with smaller patients in mind, the reusable 3 mm [0.11 in.] instruments offer a distinct advantage.”

“Having our experience in laparoscopic surgery, we find the system very adaptable, such as instinctive camera control and haptic feedback with crucial safety features,” he said. “In addition, we believe the system offers economic value. This represents a significant step forward aligning with our goal of providing the best care for our young patients.”

Editor’s note: This article first appeared on MassDevice, a sibling site to The Robot Report.