#Japan #Tokyo #Sony Group #Microsurgery #Mominoki Clinic

Introduction

In a remarkable advancement for medical technology, two physicians from Mominoki Clinic, Dr. Makoto Mihara and Dr. Naoko Hara, have unveiled a pioneering microsurgery robot equipped with the world's first automatic instrument exchange system in collaboration with Sony Group. This significant achievement has been documented in the international medical journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open."

Details of the Robot

Traditional microsurgery robots have primarily concentrated on vascular anastomosis. However, this new technology expands its capabilities by introducing an automatic instrument exchange system that operates in approximately nine seconds, alongside a specialized microsurgical toolkit. This robot is designed to provide extensive support for a range of procedures including vascular dissection, incision, suturing, and patency verification, in addition to vascular anastomosis. Animal experiments targeting blood vessels with diameters ranging from 0.35 to 0.8 mm have successfully achieved a 100% vessel patency rate using a rat model.

Path to Commercialization

While the robot is not commercially available yet, efforts are underway to evaluate its practical applications and broader dissemination. With advancements in technology and testing, stakeholders are hopeful for an eventual release in the market.

Japan's Competitive Edge

This groundbreaking robot symbolizes a significant integration of Japan’s industrial robotics technology into the medical sector. Dr. Mihara expressed his ambition, stating, "I hope to showcase a microsurgery support robot from Japan that holds international competitiveness."

Research Publication

The scientific contribution of this development is duly acknowledged in the published paper: Mihara M, Hara H, Wakana K, et al. "The First Microsurgery-assisting Robot Equipped With an Automatic Instrument Exchange System and a Miniature Tool Kit." Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025;13:e7072. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000007072.

About Mominoki Clinic

Mominoki Clinic specializes in lymphedema treatment using the latest scientific insights and advanced treatment techniques. The clinic combines conservative therapy, rehabilitation, and outpatient lymphatic venous anastomosis (LVA) procedures tailored to the individual conditions of patients. They cater to various cases of lymphedema, from early-stage to severe scenarios.

Dr. Makoto Mihara

Dr. Makoto Mihara, head of Mominoki Clinic, has dedicated over 15 years to lymphedema treatment, contributing significantly in this domain. His experience in conducting LVA exceeds 4,000 procedures from April 2006 to June 2023. Dr. Mihara has also contributed to numerous research publications and has provided surgical training overseas, actively treating both domestic and international patients. His extensive work in the field has earned him esteemed recognition and trust among patients and medical professionals alike.

Clinic Overview

Mominoki Clinic
Director: Dr. Makoto Mihara
Address: 1-35-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 3F toDOe Yoyogi Building
Website: Mominoki Clinic