Mazor Robotics Announces First Brain Cases Using Its Robotic Platform

CAESAREA, Israel, Jun 11, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Mazor Robotics Ltd. (tase:MZOR), a developer of innovative surgical robots and complementary products, today announced the successful completion of the first robot-guided brain surgical procedures, which were performed with Mazor Robotics’ technology. Neurosurgeons Dr. In-Se Kim and Prof. Robert Schonmayr performed the first three cases at HSK Hospital, (Horst Schmidt Kliniken GmbH) in Wiesbaden, Germany.
“As one of the first medical centers globally to adopt robotic technology for spine surgeries, we are very proud to also be the first to expand its use to brain surgeries,” said Prof. Schonmayr.
“We see great potential in the application of robotic technology to brain and spine surgeries. Our patients have been the best testament to its clinical success,” added Dr. Kim.
In addition to its proven applications in spine surgeries, Mazor Robotics’ technology is applicable in the brain for biopsies, shunt placements and neurostimulation electrode placement such as for deep brain stimulation (DBS). As a frameless treatment solution for brain procedures, the robot’s precision, simplicity and safety profile have the potential to increase patient comfort, improve surgical accuracy and provide a less invasive approach, as well as potentially increase utilization of the installed base.
There are about 25,000 brain biopsies in the United States each year. The DBS placement market is estimated to be several hundred million dollars annually.
“While our core is spine surgery, we are thrilled that our technology can be expanded to improve other surgical procedures,” said Ori Hadomi, CEO of Mazor Robotics. “Brain surgeries represent a large market opportunity that is aligned with our current focus on spine. Approximately half of surgeons who currently use Mazor’s Renaissance and SpineAssist robots for spinal surgeries are neurosurgeons, the call point for brain surgery. By offering a spine surgery and brain surgery solution, we provide a solution for a greater number of physicians in the typical neurosurgery department.”
Regulatory clearance for the brain application is pending in the U.S. and Europe. Upon regulatory clearance, the brain application will be available as an add-on to Mazor’s Renaissance system at a separate price point expected early 2013.