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DTW Podcast: Can AI, advanced imaging and robotics ‘democratize’ surgery?

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DeviceTalks Weekly Digital Surgery #48
Hear from the leaders of Asensus, Activ Surgical and Memic in this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast.

A new generation of digital surgery systems will level surgeons’ playing field — giving them artificial intelligence, robotic tools, and other assistive technologies.

In three interviews in this week’s DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, leaders from Asensus, ActivSurgical and Memic explain how their systems will improve surgeon performance, reduce errors, and deliver the “democratization” of surgical robotics.

Guests this week include

Anthony Fernando, CEO of Asensus Surgical (formerly Transenterix), outlines the company’s bid to push its Sehance system as a solution for laparoscopic procedures. Fernando, who took over as CEO in 2019, explains why the company’s stock crashed in 2019 and details the changes he says have started its turnaround. Senhance offers more responsive surgical tools along with data that will help with surgical training and scheduling.

Todd Usen, CEO of ActivSurgical, left a job he loved at Olympus to lead a company that could revolutionize how surgeons see. The company’s ActivEdge system can be deployed with gold standard scopes and cameras, creating a surgical WAZE-type system that highlights the trouble spots and threats in the surgical field.

Maurice R. Ferré, the founder of Mako Surgical and now chairman of Memic Innovative Surgery, says the company’s low-profile robot fits the budget and space constraints of hospitals and ambulatory surgery systems. Ferré explains why the company will be able to differentiate itself in a crowded field.

Ferré also shares stories about Mako Surgery’s creation, giving credits to surgeons including the late Larry Dorr, who passed away in January. He also provides details on the dinner that led to the $1.65 billion purchase by Stryker.

Ferré also explains why he believes companies like Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson may be arriving too late to the game.

MassDevice executive editor Chris Newmarker delivers his Newmarker’s Newsmakers featuring stories from Medtronic, Hillrom, BardyDx, Boston Scientific, Lumenis, and Memic Innovative Surgery.

Associate editor Sean Whooley joins the show take on Chris in Robot Surgery Name Jeopardy!!

You’ll also hear from our sponsors Packworld USA, PSN Labs and Finnegan.

Join us at 5:30 p.m. on Clubhouse to hear from Todd Usen and others.

 

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