First commercial cases completed with Levita Magnetics’ MARS surgical robot

Listen to this article

The MARS surgical robot system. | Source: Levita Magnetics

Levita Magnetics announced the world’s first commercial use for its MARS magnetic-assisted robotic surgery platform.

Dr. Matthew Kroh and Dr. Andrew Strong performed the first minimally invasive procedures with the system at the Cleveland Clinic. The procedures took place last month, just over a month after the FDA cleared the MARS system.

In a news release, Kroh said MARS could potentially “play a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of abdominal procedures.”

“MARS represents a noteworthy advancement and is part of the pathway to enhance minimally invasive surgery for healthcare institutions, surgeons, and most importantly, for patients,” said Kroh, the vice chair of innovation and technology at the Cleveland Clinic. “It’s also remarkably easy to use.”

More about the Levita Magnetics MARS system

Mountain View, California-based Levita designed the MARS platform for the high-volume abdominal surgery market. It combines magnets and machines to reduce the number of incisions. The system enables complete control during laparoscopic procedures, the company says.

Leveraging Levita’s proprietary Dynamic Magnetic Positioning technology, the system can assist in laparoscopic bariatric surgeries, cholecystectomy (gallbladder), prostate and colorectal procedures.

MARS comes in a compact footprint designed to fit into existing operating rooms. It builds on the success of the company’s first commercial product, the Levita Magnetic Surgical System. Levita designed MARS to deliver the same patient benefits while empowering surgeons with increased control of surgical instruments.

The company said the system provides faster recovery, less pain and fewer scars. MARS’ surgeon-controlled arms provide full control over the laparoscopic view and magnetic retractor. This reduces the need for an additional assistant.

“We’re thrilled to have initiated successful commercial procedures utilizing the MARS system so soon after receiving FDA clearance. We are at the leading edge of a significant shift in the approach to high-volume minimally-invasive abdominal surgery in the United States and in the world,” said Dr. Alberto Rodriguez-Navarro, founder and CEO of Levita Magnetics. “We aim to show that this revolutionary technology can empower surgeons with increased control and better visualization while reducing the number of incisions, delivering significant patient benefits. The MARS system can play a major role in the transition of high volume abdominal procedures to an ambulatory or same-day discharge setting.”