Synaptive Medical adds 3D visualisation and voice activation to its surgical tech

Robotic surgical visualisation company Synaptive Medical has updated its Modus V – a fully automated robotic digital microscope – by adding 3D visualisation and voice-activated control of the system from the sterile field.

Modus V is designed to assist surgeons in the operating room for a seamless surgical workflow. Leveraging cutting-edge optical design, Modus V includes high-powered optics and enhanced video processing to provide unobstructed, clear and now three-dimensional views for any surgical approach. 

The voice-activated control feature augments the existing automation characteristics of the system, including Autofocus control and hands-free camera positioning using tracked instruments, to eliminate the need for manual adjustments common with conventional visualisation tools. 

Combined with a 4K 3D digital monitor, this system supports a more ergonomic and effective approach to microsurgery.   

“These new features unlock the platform’s use for a wide range of cranial and spinal procedures, supporting our commitment to provide surgeons the tools and information they need to deliver less invasive care for their patients,” said Cameron Piron, president and co-founder of Synaptive Medical.

“Integrating voice control is a modern approach to connecting surgeons with their technologies in a way that allows them to maximise the benefits of the system to provide better surgical treatment,” added Brad Fernald, Synaptive’s director of surgical product management.

Synaptive Medical plans to expand access to these new features to select regions globally following this initial release in the US and Canadian markets. 

Surgical visualisation technology, harnessing innovations like augmented reality (AR), is becoming more common as digital transformation becomes more prevalent across the entire industry, and clinical studies have backed up their effectiveness. 

Among the other companies involved in the area are Philips, whose AR platform aims to help improve spinal surgery, and Novarad, whose OpenSight system, which runs on the Microsoft HoloLens headset, was approved by the FDA in 2018.