NuVasive unveils Pulse robot
NuVasive (NSDQ:NUVA) last week unveiled at NASS its Pulse robotic platform for minimally invasive surgical techniques.
The Pulse system is designed to allow surgeons to perform robotic-assisted spine surgery. It features an extensible architecture for multiple procedural application support; optimized surgeon control with real-time adjustments to enhance autonomy; dynamic, real-time feedback and a flexible mobile cart that is easy to set up and configure in existing operating rooms.
“As part of NuVasive’s commitment to transform surgery, at NASS we will showcase enabling technologies that help surgeons perform less invasive spine procedures,” president Matt Link said in a news release. “Key to this foundation is Pulse, the first and only system to integrate multiple technologies in a single expandable platform designed for all spine procedures. As part of this platform, we look forward to unveiling Pulse Robotics, an application that introduces automation while maintaining surgeon control to optimize clinical decision making and deliver better patient outcomes.”
NuVasive’s Pulse platform has been shown to reduce blood loss, hospital stays and had less operative morbidity compared to traditional open spine surgery, according to the company. NuVasive also said the Pulse platform improves workflow, reduces variability and increases the reproducibility of surgical outcomes, which includes neuromonitoring, surgical planning, rod bending, radiation reduction, imaging and navigation functions.
Surgeons can operate the control atm within the plane of various degrees of freedom, even if the arm is locked in place. The mobility allows for slight adjustments of screw trajectory without having to re-register. The robotic arm has 7º of freedom to mimic the movements of a real arm.
FDA approval of the system is expected in mid-2021 with a soft launch of the device in the second half of 2021. The company plans a full launch in 2022.