Institut Curie implements Versius surgical robotic system as part of research partnership

Institut Curie, said to be France’s leading cancer research centre, has introduced CMR Surgical’s Versius Surgical Robotic System as part of a two-year clinical study partnership.

The Versius system will initially be dedicated to gynaecological cancer surgery with a focus on minimally invasive hysterectomies.

Professor Steven Le Gouill, director of the Institut Curie Hospital Complex, says: “This technology enables our hospital to remain at the forefront of innovation.

“This partnership with CMR Surgical brings the Institut Curie into the field of robotics research through two new clinical studies.”

The first study, which will start after the teams at Institut Curie have completed a thorough training programme, will compare conventional and robotic-assisted surgery.

Its aim is twofold: to assess the benefits of robotic surgery for hysterectomy operations and to study how the use of robotic surgery could change the eligibility of patients for hysterectomy. The second study will focus on the ergonomics offered by Versius.

Dr Olivier Choussy, head of the Institut Curie’s Oncological Surgery Department, says: “The benefits of robotic surgery are numerous, especially for patients. There is a reduction in post-operative pain and the risk of complications, and better long-term tolerance after laparotomies.

“And from the point of view of practitioners and carers, our practice will be greatly enriched, and the intervention time will be more efficient. The arrival of this assistive technology is a real step forward for the whole operating room.”

In addition to benefits for patients and improved ergonomics for the operating surgeon, Versius is part of a digital ecosystem that collects data throughout the procedure, delivering a wealth of insights that can help surgeons and hospitals deliver the best surgical care.

Dr Mark Slack, chief medical officer of CMR Surgical, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Institut Curie, a leading cancer research and treatment centre with world-renowned expertise.

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to research and to delivering an evidence-based approach to surgical robotics. We hope that the studies conducted under this partnership will contribute to advancing knowledge about the benefits and indications of robotic surgery in oncology.”

Patricia Chesnais, general manager, France and Benelux, CMR Surgical, says: “We are proud of this collaboration with the Institut Curie, which demonstrates the dynamic deployment of Versius in France, as well as the interest that centres of excellence and research societies have in the Versius system.”