Handheld Robotic Surgery Assistant Gets FDA Approval

The FDS has approved a small, handheld robotic system designed to assist surgeons in knee replacement operations.

Developed by Think Surgical in collaboration with Sagentia Innovation, an R&D consultancy based in Cambridge, U.K, the TMINI robotic system is a wireless robotic handpiece that looks similar to a power drill.

The company said the small-scale device helps surgeons perform more precise bone resection during the replacement surgery.

“Following a CT-based three-dimensional surgical plan, the TMINI robotic handpiece automatically compensates for surgeon hand movement to locate bone pins along precisely defined planes,” the company said in a statement.

“This technology is impressive and game-changing, so it was a joy to be involved in the design and development process,” said Tim Frearson, Sagentia Innovation TMINI project manager. “We supported Think Surgical in very specific aspects of the TMINI system’s technical development to achieve target outcomes. Many of these are related to critical factors such as ease of use, meeting sterilization needs, and enhancing battery and power management.”

“The TMINI system really changes Think Surgical’s position in the marketplace,” said Stuart Simpson, Think Surgical CEO. “It allows us to focus on the adoption of robotic technology into the majority segment of the market. By offering an easy-to-use, miniature robot, we can open up a whole new segment of the market, improving accessibility to more patients.”