Revolutionizing Hard Tissue Surgery: A Conversation with LEM Surgical’s Chris Prentice
Surgical robotics stands at the forefront of innovation, promising greater precision, improved patient outcomes, and expanded access to advanced procedures. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Chris Prentice, Chief Commercial Officer at LEM Surgical, on the Focus on Precision Podcast to explore the exciting advancements in hard tissue robotics and LEM Surgical’s bold vision for the future.
Chris brings decades of leadership experience from iconic MedTech companies, offering a unique “front row seat” to the evolution of surgical robotics. His journey into this specialized field began with a medical affinity and an engineering focus, leading him from an operating room salesperson at Johnson & Johnson to a pivotal role at Intuitive Surgical, where he witnessed firsthand the early days of the DaVinci system. This diverse background, including a sabbatical working on the finance and materials side at Tampa General Hospital, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the medical industry’s intricacies, from the operating room floor to supply chain complexities and financial considerations.
Soft vs. Hard Tissue Robotics: A Critical Distinction
One of the key takeaways from our conversation with Chris was the crucial difference between soft tissue and hard tissue robotic systems. While Intuitive’s DaVinci system has achieved remarkable success in soft tissue procedures like prostatectomies, its cabled structure isn’t designed for the significant forces required to drill and cut bone.
Historically, hard tissue robots have been limited to a single step within a procedure. For example, the MAKO system started by performing knee cuts, and previous spinal robotics focused solely on pedicle screw trajectories. LEM Surgical is challenging this status quo with a vision to create a comprehensive, dynamic platform for hard tissue that offers universal applicability throughout entire procedures.
LEM Surgical’s Audacious Goal: Value in Every Step
LEM Surgical’s current FDA clearance is for lumbar pedicle screw trajectories, but their long-term vision is far more ambitious. A simple one-level spinal fusion case involves multiple steps beyond just pedicle screw insertion, such as discectomy (removal of the disc), interbody insertion (maintaining space between vertebrae), and decompression (removal of bone to alleviate nerve pinching).
LEM Surgical aims to deliver a robot that provides value in every single one of these steps.
By perfecting these foundational elements of a fusion, they are building “Lego pieces” that can then be applied to other orthopedic procedures, such as knees, hips, and shoulders. This approach is a significant departure from the traditional model, promising to unlock new levels of efficiency and effectiveness in hard tissue surgery.
The Future of Precision: Visualization and Accessibility
Chris believes that the future of surgery hinges on overcoming two major limitations: the surgeon’s field of view and the mechanical ability to perform procedures with unwavering precision.
While indirect visualization through fluoroscopy and navigation systems has advanced, the progression towards better, miniature direct visualization with micro-endoscopes is paramount, especially in spine surgery, where creating a “cavernous area” for viewing is not possible.
He envisions a marriage of indirect and direct visualization, where 3D geometry from indirect imaging is combined with direct vision to provide unprecedented confidence and precision. This technological leap will enable surgeons to perform delicate procedures like microdiscectomies with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue and improving patient recovery.
Beyond precision, Chris emphasized the critical issue of access to healthcare. By making highly precise procedures more reproducible and stable, regardless of the surgeon’s fatigue level or case number, robotics can democratize access to top-tier surgical care. This could mean that patients no longer need to travel to a handful of expert surgeons for complex procedures, broadening the field of capable operators across the country.
A Fast-Moving and High-Powered Team
LEM Surgical’s rapid progress is a testament to its experienced leadership and efficient approach. Chris proudly noted that their robotic surgical system went from blueprint to FDA clearance and into the OR in less than four years, with a modest investment of around $30 million. The recent addition of industry giants like Dave Demsky (former CEO of Globus) and David Simon (formerly of Medtronic) to their board further validates LEM Surgical’s vision and trajectory.
Looking ahead, Chris is most excited about the upcoming commercial launch, getting the technology into operating rooms, and witnessing its benefits for both patients and surgical teams. He also hinted at exciting developments behind the scenes, with ongoing work to expand functionalities and attack new procedural steps, promising an exciting future for hard tissue robotics!
The journey to revolutionize hard tissue surgery is complex, but with companies like LEM Surgical leading the charge, the future of precision and access in healthcare looks incredibly bright. We eagerly anticipate future conversations with Chris as LEM Surgical continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in surgical robotics!