BOM Brabant Ventures and the European Investment Fund (EIF) are investing in Microsure. This company is the developer of the world's first robot for microsurgery.
Microsure is a TU/e spin-off that focuses on microsurgery, a form of surgery that requires a microscope. Microsurgery is used for plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as the suturing of small blood vessels and nerves, eye surgery and neurosurgery, among others. Microsure is the developer of MUSA, an operating robot that, according to its creator, enables "superhuman precision in microsurgery".
MUSA is not intended to replace human surgeons, but rather to support them. For instance, the system reduces the surgeon's movements and filters out vibrations. This enables very precise surgery; with MUSA, it is possible to suture blood vessels as small as 0.3 mm in diameter. MUSA is compatible with conventional microsurgical tools and surgical microscopes.
Lymphatic reconstructions for lymphoedema
The surgical robot can be used for different types of surgery. These include lymphatic reconstructions for lymphoedema. MUSA enables surgery on lymph nodes and reconstruction of lymphatic blood vessels up to 0.3 mm in diameter. Because the system filters out vibrations and reduces movements, MUSA simplifies such operations.
However, consider hand surgery, such as finger replantations, repair of blood vessels and nerves or reconstruction of other soft tissues. Free tissue transplants are another example. Here, the MUSA system improves the surgeon's accuracy and stability. It also increases accessibility to hard-to-reach areas and reduces surgeons' fatigue.
Maastricht UMC+
Maastricht UMC+ became the first hospital in the world to perform microsurgery using MUSA in 2017. Two plastic surgeons deployed the system during an operation to correct lymphoedema in a breast cancer patient. Here, the surgeons used the telemanipulator to stitch together vessels measuring 0.3 to 0.8 millimetres.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition in which fluid accumulates and causes swelling. It is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. By attaching lymphatic vessels to blood vessels, it is possible to restore the flow of fluid in the lymphatic vessels and thereby reduce swelling. However, this requires a very steady hand, so only a limited number of surgeons worldwide can perform this technique. MUSA offers a solution as the system reduces surgeons' movements and eliminates vibration.
Clinical trials
Meanwhile, Microsure is conducting several clinical research projects with MUSA together with Maastricht UMC+. These studies focus on hand and finger reconstructions, nerve repair, Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis and DIEP flap reconstructions, among others.
Microsure received CE marking for MUSA in May 2019. The new funding and partnership with EIF and BOM Brabant Ventures will help develop Microsure's product and supply chain strategy in commercialising MUSA. The demand for surgical robots is exploding," said Microsure's CEO, Ilker Soydan. "Robotic solutions in surgery help healthcare providers perform faster, better and more affordable procedures. The strategic partnership with these new investors, who are respected both regionally and internationally for their expertise, is key to meeting this growing demand."
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
