A Cambridge-based firm that is developing next-generation surgical robots has successfully completed the first round of clinical (cadaveric) trials. Cambridge Medical Robots (CMR) (cmedrobotics.com) is working on a system for minimal-access surgery. During the trial period, surgical activities carried out in the pelvic, upper gastro-intestinal and colo-rectal areas were filmed. The trials — at the Evelyn Cambridge Surgical Training Centre — were conducted by CMR medical director Mark Slack and his team.

Dr Slack, who is also consultant surgeon and head of uro-gynaecology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, said: “The successful completion of preliminary cadaveric trials is a significant milestone in the development and regulatory process. The trials allowed us to demonstrate the advanced capabilities of the CMR system, making the future transition to robotics as easy as possible for surgeons.”

The system uses multiple robotic arms which mimic the movements of surgeons; these can be positioned as needed around the operating theatre. “Within the next decade, I believe surgical robotic systems will become a standard feature in operating theatres and a critical extension of the modern-day surgeon. With its small size, light weight, ease of set-up and versatile design, the CMR system is strongly positioned to extend the benefits of minimal-access surgery to a greater number of patients.”