This episode of the Focus on Precision podcast welcomes Chris Prentice, Chief Commercial Officer at LEM Surgical, for an insightful discussion on the cutting edge of surgical robotics, specifically in hard tissue procedures. With decades of leadership experience from prominent MedTech companies like Johnson & Johnson and Intuitive Surgical, Chris offers a unique perspective on the evolution of this rapidly growing field.
The conversation explores the critical distinctions between soft tissue and hard tissue robotic systems, highlighting why specialized engineering is required for the forces involved in drilling and cutting bone. Chris elaborates on LEM Surgical’s ambitious vision: to move beyond single-step robotic applications in hard tissue to create a comprehensive, dynamic platform that provides value throughout entire procedures, such as spinal fusions. He explains how perfecting foundational steps in spine surgery can then be leveraged for other orthopedic applications like knees, hips, and shoulders.
Looking to the future, Chris discusses the paramount importance of advanced visualization, envisioning a powerful combination of indirect and direct imaging to enhance surgical precision and confidence. He also touches upon the broader societal impact of surgical robotics, emphasizing its potential to democratize access to high-quality surgical care by making complex procedures more reproducible and stable, regardless of the surgeon’s fatigue or experience level.
This podcast also highlights LEM Surgical’s rapid progress, achieving FDA clearance and commercial launch in under four years with a lean investment, a testament to their high-powered and experienced team, including recent additions of industry leaders to their board. Chris shares his excitement for the upcoming commercial launch and ongoing developments aimed at expanding the system’s functionalities to tackle new procedural steps. The discussion concludes with a forward-looking perspective on how future innovations in optics and visualization could further transform surgical outcomes.
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