AcuSurgical's Robot Luca™ Completes World’s First Retinal Surgery
AcuSurgical announced the successful completion of the world’s first retinal surgery performed using their innovative bi-manual ophthalmology robot, Luca™. The landmark procedure was carried out at Ghent University Hospital in Belgium by Dr. Fanny Nerinckx, marking a significant milestone in the field of retinal surgery.
Retinal surgeries, known for their complexity and the high level of precision required, now enter a new era with Luca™. This novel robotic surgery platform is designed to operate on structures as tiny as a fraction of a hair, addressing retinal diseases that impact an estimated 300 million people globally. With one in three individuals in the US and Europe likely to encounter retinal disease during their lifetime, the societal impact of such advancements is profound.
A Leap Forward in Surgical Precision and Possibilities
Luca™ sets a new standard in surgical precision, enhancing it by twentyfold, thereby augmenting the surgeon's ability to perform intricate procedures with improved control. This leap in technology not only enhances the quality of current surgeries but also paves the way for innovative treatments for conditions like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which were previously challenging to manage.
Dr. Fanny Nerinckx, the senior vitreoretinal surgeon behind this pioneering surgery, shared her experience: "I operated on my patient with two instruments and AcuSurgical's robot provided an unparalleled level of control and accuracy. This technology represents a major leap forward for our specialty and offers new surgical possibilities to treat our patients."
AcuSurgical’s CEO, Christoph Spuhler, expressed his excitement over this significant achievement, "We are thrilled that a patient was effectively and safely operated today using our novel technology. Luca opens the way to augment retinal surgery with advanced technologies, such as AI and augmented visualization, and will lead to a whole panel of new revolutionary treatments for retinal disease. Moving forward, we plan to complete the clinical study enrollment to support future regulatory registration of our robot in Europe and in the US."
As AcuSurgical looks ahead, the focus is on completing the clinical study enrollment necessary for future regulatory approval of Luca™ in both Europe and the US. This successful surgery not only represents a major breakthrough in ophthalmology but also heralds a new era of possibilities for treating retinal diseases, bringing hope to millions affected by these conditions worldwide.
Retinal Diseases
Retinal diseases include a wide range of conditions that affect the retina, the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for capturing light and sending visual information to the brain. These conditions can vary widely in their causes, symptoms, and severity, ranging from common issues like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment, macular edema, and branch or central retinal vein occlusion, among others.
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