Vicarious Spices up Surgical Robotics with Virtual Reality

December 4, 2019 Digital Health, Digital Surgery, Medical Devices, Medical Technology, Robotics, Virtual Reality

The Boston-based company has been granted breakthrough device designation from FDA and it has tapped former Verb Surgical CEO Scott Huennekens to be on its board.

A medtech startup is shaking up the surgical robotics space by adding virtual reality to the equation. Vicarious Surgical is developing the technology and has been granted Breakthrough Device Designation from FDA. The firm said it is the first company to receive this designation for a robotically-assisted surgical device.

The Boston-based company’s CEO and co-founder Adam Sachs spoke with MD+DI about the technology on Wednesday, a few hours before speaking at Center Stage during BioMedDevice San Jose.

“It starts with a paradigm shift in human/computer interaction driven by virtual reality,” Sachs told MD+DI. “We have a natural user interface with visual immersion that is so convincing, it makes the surgeon actually feel as if they have been shrunk down and placed inside of their patient. Then we combine this paradigm shift in human/computer interaction with our own proprietary design of miniature robotics.”

“Our robotic system has nine degrees of freedom per arm,” Sachs said. “All of the motion is moved inside the abdomen so that we can create a system that is much smaller, at a much lower cost, and much lighter weight than existing systems. These innovations allow the motion of the robot to mimic the motion of the surgeon’s body.”

To achieve this the company is developing a platform with the potential to combine miniature robots and virtual reality, giving surgeons the ability to work seamlessly inside the body.

By Omar Ford | MD+DI

Image Credit: Vicarious Surgical

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Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.