Revolutionizing Prostate Surgery: The First Robotic-Assisted HoLEP Procedure

In a groundbreaking achievement for surgical robotics, Andromeda Surgical has announced the successful completion of the world's first robotic-assisted holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) procedure. This historic milestone was performed by Dr. Cristián Trucco from Universidad Católica, utilizing Andromeda's innovative platform through a tablet interface. This first-of-its-kind operation not only marks a significant advancement in minimally invasive urological procedures but also initiates Andromeda's ASTRA clinical trial, aimed at further integrating robotic assistance in HoLEP.

HoLEP, which was first developed in 1998 by Professor Peter Gilling and Mr. Mark Fraundorfer in New Zealand, has increasingly been recognized as the gold standard treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate. While this technique has gained popularity for its efficiency, it has also been hampered by a steep learning curve for surgeons, limiting its widespread adoption. Andromeda's approach seeks to streamline this learning process, empowering urologists to perform HoLEP procedures with expert-level precision.

"We are fortunate to be at the forefront of innovation in Chile participating in this trial headed by Prof. Gilling, and we are thrilled with this milestone," expressed Dr. Rodrigo Ledezma, co-principal investigator of the trial. He believes that the integration of navigational technology can enhance the surgeon's ability to identify key anatomical landmarks, potentially reducing the learning curves associated with initial HoLEP cases. This may, in turn, provide a broader patient population with access to high-quality BPH treatment.

Professor Gilling will lead the overall ASTRA study, with plans to begin enrollment in New Zealand in early 2025. Andromeda's endoscopic robotic platform is designed to work harmoniously with existing surgical tools, offering enhanced control and efficiency for surgeons undertaking transurethral procedures. As Andromeda continues to innovate, plans for expanding the system's functionalities look promising, aiming to include additional applications and levels of autonomy to further enhance patient outcomes.

Nick Damiano, CEO and co-founder of Andromeda Surgical, expressed his excitement about the breakthrough, stating, "It's rewarding to see our team's hard work translate to real patient benefit. This case marks not only the first robotic-assisted HoLEP procedure in history but also possibly the first surgery performed using a tablet. This is just the beginning of our mission to ensure that every patient receives the best possible surgical outcomes, every time."

Founded in 2023, Andromeda Surgical has rapidly advanced its vision of autonomous surgical robots, beginning with endourology. The innovative company combines expertise from medical technology, autonomous vehicle design, and AI applications, collaborating with leading urologists to push the boundaries of not only what's possible in surgery but also in improving patient experiences and outcomes.

This significant development not only represents a step forward for robotic surgery but also a specialized advancement for the treatment of BPH, promising to enhance both the skillset of urologists and the quality of care available to patients. With ongoing trials and expected expansions in the coming years, the future of robotic surgery looks bright as Andromeda Surgical continues to lead the charge in this innovative field.

Topics Health)

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