The hospital entered into an agreement to utilize the Senhance surgical system in its pediatric surgery department. This agreement took place at the end of December. It marks the first pediatric installation in Japan and the fourth globally for Asensus and Senhance in 2023.
It also marks further expansion for the company in Japan. About a year ago, Asensus placed a Senhance system at Kitakyushu General Hospital in Japan. That came just after a December 2022 Senhance placement in Kashiwa. Additionally, In September 2022, Saiseikai Shiga Hospital in Ritto, Japan, agreed to lease a surgical robot.
Asensus designed Senhance for use in general laparoscopic and laparoscopic gynecological procedures. The company won FDA clearance for the system in 2017. Since then, it secured expanded indications, deals with Google and Nvidia, and hospital placements around the world.
Senhance became the first and only digital laparoscopic surgery system for children when the FDA cleared its pediatric indication in March. Dr. Hiroo Uchida of Nagoya’s pediatric surgery department called it a “valuable solution for pediatric surgery.”
Uchida noted its design which considers smaller patients, including reusable 3mm instruments. Additionally, Uchida highlighted Senhance’s instinctive camera control and haptic feedback with crucial safety features.
“The Senhance System is specifically equipped to meet the demands of pediatric surgery, and we are excited to work with Nagoya University Hospital,” said Anthony Fernando, president and CEO of Asensus Surgical. “With its specialized instrumentation and advanced clinical intelligence, the system offers a unique advantage for pediatric patients, reducing invasiveness and increasing precision in a way that sets it apart. Our experience in Europe and the U.S. has shown success in various pediatric procedures, and we’re eager to extend these benefits in Japan.”
