In an advancement for robotic-assisted surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Centre has performed the first-ever surgery combining two distinct robotic systems.
The procedure was led by professor Dr Jeffrey Cadeddu, using the MARS platform from Levita Magnetics and the Intuitive Da Vinci SP single-port robot, for prostate gland removal.
The nerves, arteries, and veins responsible for erectile function and urinary continence are located adjacent to the prostate gland.
Levita’s MARS platform, which leverages a magnetic positioning system, was used to manipulate internal organs with high precision.
It enabled the precise retraction of tissue to enhance the visualisation and preserve nerves responsible for sexual function and urinary continence.
The platform enables precise retraction of tissue to enhance the visualisation to preserve nerves involved in sexual function and urinary continence.
Da Vinci SP robot was used for its single-port capabilities in complex urological surgery.
The combination of two systems showed that multiple systems can complement one another to deliver optimal results in future of robotic-assisted surgeries.
UT Southwestern Medical Centre urologist and professor Jeffrey Cadeddu said: “This marks the first time two different systems have been used together in a single robotic procedure, and it highlights the versatility of Levita’s MARS platform.
“The magnetic component of MARS added significant value by improving precision and enabling improved access to key areas of the pelvis.”
AdventHealth Celebration urologist and robotic surgeon Vipul Patel said: “My congratulations to Dr. Cadeddu and the team at UT Southwestern.
“True leadership and innovation. This procedure marks the beginning of multiple-robot cooperation and integration into the operating room. Two different systems working together in harmony to provide the optimal service to the surgeon and patient.”
Levita’s MARS platform is already being used for high-volume surgeries, such as gallbladder, bariatric, and colorectal procedures.
Building on its precise movements and minimising invasiveness, MARS is said to bring significant value to both routine and complex procedures.
Its magnetic capabilities help reduce incisions and improve manoeuvrability, and complement the Da Vinci SP robot, which enables single-port precision.
Levita Magnetics CEO and founder Alberto Rodriguez-Navarro said: “This procedure demonstrated that the MARS platform is both an independent surgical solution and also a powerful enhancement to traditional console-based robotic systems.
“By combining technologies, we’re creating a new standard for surgery that prioritizes patient safety, efficiency, and better outcomes.”