Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with the Medrobotics Flex™ System: first surgical application on humans

Abstract

Head and neck surgery can be fraught with difficulties in accessing the pharynx and larynx. Minimally invasive surgery has developed with the recent advances in technology. Currently, we have a variety of high-definition multichannel videoendoscopes and robots in our armamentarium. We present our experience in a new robotic surgical system-'The Medrobotics Flex™ System' at our tertiary referral unit. We aimed to assess the safety, functionality and ease of use of this new device in this prospective study. Thus far, this is the first study in live human subjects who have undergone surgery for the following conditions: (1) obstructive sleep apnoea involving the base of tongue, the tonsil and the velum; (2) vocal fold polyp; (3) carcinoma of the lateral edge of the tongue. There were no complications in our series and the system provided good visualisation and access to these subsites without compromising safety or success. In summary, we found the Medrobotics Flex™ System to have certain other advantages including ease of set up and use besides being reliable and safe.

The robotic ENT microsurgery system: A novel robotic platform for microvascular surgery

“…Despite the recent advancements in medical robotics and technology, little progress has been made to address the technical difficulties inherent to microvascular surgery. Other robotic solutions have been implemented in various areas of otolaryngology, but the REMS is one of only a few robotic platforms specifically designed for use within the head and neck . These other platforms primarily are designed to address issues of access and not microsurgery.…”

Evidence and evidence gaps of laryngeal cancer surgery

“…Meanwhile, first reports are available on the application of the Flex ® system for laryngeal surgery. The users consider the Flex ® system as promising option for surgery of the larynx, especially in cases of complex anatomy [78]. However, studies of larger patient populations are necessary in order to prove the reliability of the system.…”

A european multicenter study evaluating the flex robotic system in transoral robotic surgery

“…After successful cadaveric and animal studies, the Flex Robotic System achieved the Conformité Européene (European Conformity) mark in March 2014 and US Food and Drug Administration clearance in July 2015. The first patients were treated in Europe in June 2014 …”