Australia’s SVHM adopts robotic tech for microsurgery

The system can replicate hand movements and wrist motions on a smaller scale.

Australia’s St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) has announced its introduction of the Symani System, a robotic technology for microsurgery.

The system is a teleoperated robot that replicates hand movements and wrist motions on a smaller scale, enabling surgeons to operate on vessels less than a millimetre in size.

SVHM’s new Clinical Microsurgery Robotic Unit will initially use the tech for breast reconstruction, sarcoma surgery, head and neck cancer reconstruction, and digit replantation.

Meanwhile, plans are underway to expand its use to lymphoedema management and chronic wound repair treatment in conditions that include diabetic foot disease and peripheral vascular disease.