RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – The global marketplace for a robotic surgical system developed by Triangle-based TransEnterix continues to expand.
The company announced Monday that the Senhance Surgical System has been approved for use in Japan. US and EU regulators have already approved Senhance. The Japan approval sent TransEnterix (TRXC) shares up more than 10 percent in early trading.
The decision is seen by TransEnterix CEO Todd Pope as a “pivotal milestone” for the company since “Japan is second only to the U.S. as the world’s largest surgical robotics market.”
Robotic surgery firm TransEnterix receives FDA clearance for Senhance Ultrasonic System
“Japan’s high penetration of laparoscopic surgery coupled with their rapid adoption of robotics and the intense focus on procedure cost creates a considerable market opportunity for Senhance,” he added in a statement.
The system was approved fur use in laparoscopy – an operation performed in the abdomen or pelvis using small incisions with the aid of a camera, explains Wikipedia – for general surgery, gynecology, urology and certain thoracic procedures. TransEnterix points out that laparoscopic procedures are among the highest in number in the world.
CEO of robotic surgery firm TransEnterix remains optimistic but share price tumbles
“Approval of the Senhance Surgical System for use in laparoscopic procedures in Japan is a major achievement,” said Professor Shigeki Yamaguchi, Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, in a statement. “As the first hospital in Japan to obtain and utilize the Senhance Surgical System to treat patients, I believe this technology allows surgeons to offer excellent minimally invasive procedures that add precision and visual control while leveraging a familiar laparoscopic approach with minimal additional costs to the health system.”
Top 2 execs at TransEnterix land big increases in compensation
