CMR Surgical’s next-generation surgical robotic system, Versius, has become the first ever surgical robot to be used to perform keyhole surgery at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The robot will initially be used to perform colorectal cancer surgery.
Mr Nicholas A. Stylianides, consultant colorectal and general surgeon at Manchester Royal Infirmary, said: “The introduction of Versius at Manchester Royal Infirmary is an exciting step forward and one that will help our team continue to deliver world-leading surgical training and care. Today, more than ever, it is vital that we are able to minimise complications from surgery and help patients recover quickly – keeping them well and out of hospital. Using robotic minimal access surgery more frequently will play an important role in this and Versius will therefore be a critical tool for our surgical teams moving forward.”
Versius is portable, modular, and designed to be easily moved between operating theatres. Once in an operating theatre, it takes an average of 15 minutes to set up the system.
Mark Slack, chief medical officer at CMR Surgical said: “A main goal when we designed Versius was that we wanted to significantly widen access to minimal access surgery – allowing far more patients to benefit than currently do. The introduction of Versius at Manchester Royal Infirmary is a key part of that journey and we are therefore delighted by today’s news. The fact that this leading teaching hospital has never had a surgical robot highlights the need for a new approach to surgical robotics and reinforces the value of the defining features of Versius – its portability, versatility and its cost-effectiveness. These are attributes that we believe will open the door to more minimal access surgery across the world improving outcomes for patients, surgeons and hospitals.”
In February 2020, Versius was launched in the UK at NHS Lothian’s Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Trust, with further launches expected to be announced.
