Australia, a World-Renowned Surgical Robotics Market, Introduces First Versius System

Australia becomes the fifth global market to introduce Versius, following approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in general, gynaecological and urologic laparoscopic surgical procedures

CMR Surgical (CMR), in partnership with LifeHealthcare, announced the launch of its Versius Surgical Robotic System in Australia. Macquarie University Hospital – a leading private teaching hospital based in Sydney – is the first to use the system following approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in late 2019, which allows Versius to be used in a broad range of laparoscopic (minimal access or keyhole) procedures.

Australia is a highly advanced surgical robotics market where robotic assisted minimal access surgery (MAS) has been used for nearly two decades. The launch of Versius represents a significant opportunity to progress this further and drive greater uptake of MAS across the region. With Australia experiencing significant annual growth in surgical robotic procedures, there is strong potential for Versius to play a key role in shaping surgical practice in the coming years, offering a versatile new choice for hospitals and surgeons and supporting optimal patient outcomes.

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Per Vegard Nerseth, Chief Executive Officer of CMR commented: “Australia is well-known for leading the way in medical innovation and the launch of Versius represents another example of this in practice. The arrival of Versius opens the door for hospitals and surgeons to be able to access this cutting-edge technology, helping them to deliver the best surgical care possible. Australia joins a number of markets around the world who are now routinely using Versius and is another important addition for CMR as we continue towards our aim of making minimal access, or keyhole surgery accessible to all those who may benefit.”

While MAS is associated with a range of well-recognised benefits for patients, when performed manually without the aid of robotics it is also associated with high physical demand on surgeons. Versius was designed to tackle this issue. The three independent arms – biomimicking the human arm – coupled with the 3D visualisation and unique instrument control, reduces stress and fatigue for surgeons, which remains critical for career longevity.

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Professor David Gillatt, Professor of Urological Oncology and Robotic Surgery and Director of Medical Services at Macquarie University Hospital commented: “The Versius system is easy to set up and offers improved movement and communication for surgeons. From a patient perspective, robotically assisted surgery can potentially mean reduced pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.  I look forward to seeing more hospitals and patients being able to benefit from this new technology in the near future.”

Macquarie University Hospital has acquired Versius to help perform a range of surgeries including general, urological, and gynaecological procedures.

Mr Walter Kmet, Chief Executive Officer, Macquarie University Hospital, said: “We continually invest in state-of-the art technology to improve patient outcomes. This is a very exciting development for Macquarie University Hospital. Our team are the first in Australia and among a number of pioneering sites in the world to offer this new, innovative type of robotic surgery.”

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