The MicroInstrmntsBP project has resulted in the identification of a key step common to a majority of microsurgical procedures, namely the re-joining of sub-millimeter diameter arteries, veins and nerves, and the ideation of a compelling product vision based on our robotic micro-instruments that could revolutionize this step.
The rejoining of blood vessels (anastomosis) is the decisive step for positive outcomes of autologous reconstructive surgery after cancer removal, in limb reattachment and wound closure. It is recognized as extremely difficult to perform, success rates decrease dramatically with vessel diameter, allowing only few micro-surgeons worldwide to offer the best possible treatment. Our large worldwide survey of micro-surgeons has identified robotics as the enabler technology for scaling down and stabilizing their surgical gestures under the microscope.
Our robotic micro-instruments have the same dexterity of state-of-the-art laparoscopic robotic instruments but are smaller in size, thanks to our proprietary micro-fabrication process and miniature instrument articulation design. They offer a marked advantage when working in the small field of view of a surgical microscope. The overall small size of the micro-instruments also leads to a markedly innovative microsurgical robotic product that makes surgeons enthusiastic about its compactness and manageability.
The target market identified is composed of an aggregate of several surgical procedures that share the same microsurgical step of anastomosis. Importantly, the expected clinical impact of our product can be tested convincingly for efficacy before first human use.
A quantitative business analysis has been carried out to value the business opportunity together with investors. Finally, a specific IP strategy for the entire product protection has been planned, including freedom to operate analysis.
