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Roen Surgical, a leading surgical robot platform company, announced on Monday that it has supplied its AI-driven kidney stone surgery robot, Zamenix, to Korea University Anam Hospital.
A commemorative photo is taken at Korea University Anam Hospital, which has introduced Zamenix, a kidney stone surgery robot developed by the surgical robot platform company Roen Surgical. (Credit: Korea University Anam Hospital)
A commemorative photo is taken at Korea University Anam Hospital, which has introduced Zamenix, a kidney stone surgery robot developed by the surgical robot platform company Roen Surgical. (Credit: Korea University Anam Hospital)
Korea University Anam Hospital has been at the forefront of robotic surgery, accumulating experience in over 10,000 robot-assisted procedures. By integrating robotic technology across various medical fields, the hospital has continuously enhanced precision and safety in patient care.
The hospital’s Department of Urology, a pioneer in establishing the nation’s first urological health check-up clinic, has decided to adopt Zamenix.
The hospital expects that this introduction will set a new standard for kidney stone treatment, particularly benefiting patients in northern Seoul.
As the world’s first AI-powered, fully robotic kidney stone surgery system, Zamenix consists of a flexible endoscopic robot and a remote-controlled console.
Its 2.8mm flexible endoscope is designed to pass through the urethra and ureter without incisions, enabling repeat stone removal with greater precision. Once the robotic endoscope is positioned within the patient’s body, a single surgeon operates the system remotely, directing the robotic arm to remove kidney stones. The system’s AI-powered features significantly improve surgical outcomes by enhancing stone fragmentation and extraction efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Zamenix is equipped with AI-based capabilities that improve accuracy and efficiency during kidney stone removal. Its respiratory compensation function uses laser stabilization to counteract stone movement caused by a patient’s breathing, ensuring precise targeting and fragmentation.
The AI stone sizing feature determines the size of kidney stones and efficiently breaks down larger stones while minimizing ureteral damage. The pathway memory function, similar to an autonomous vehicle, allows the robotic endoscope to memorize navigation paths, optimizing repeat stone removal processes.
Also, the system’s robotic-assisted remote control reduces radiation exposure and surgeon fatigue, making procedures safer for both patients and medical staff.
Zamenix demonstrated 93.5 percent stone removal success rates and a 6.5 percent minor complication rate in a 2022 clinical trial involving 46 patients with kidney stones measuring 0.5-3 cm.
“This innovative technology will provide safer and more effective treatment for patients with complex kidney stones,” the hospital’s urology team said. “We also look forward to expanding clinical research collaboration with Roen Surgical to advance cutting-edge medical technology.”
Zamenix was designated an Innovative Medical Device by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in December 2021. In October 2022, it received manufacturing approval, and in August 2023, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) recognized it as an innovative medical technology.
From 2024, Zamenix is available for use under non-reimbursed or selective reimbursement policies for the next three years. A multi-center clinical study involving 232 patients across five institutions is planned for the first half of this year to support the inclusion of Zamenix in Korea’s national health insurance system.
“As a leading hospital in robotic surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital’s introduction of Zamenix marks a milestone in minimally invasive kidney stone treatment,” Roen Surgical CEO Kwon Dong-soo said. “We anticipate that many patients will benefit from this incision-free robotic procedure, experiencing safer surgeries and faster recoveries.”
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Lee Han-soo corea022@docdocdoc.co.kr
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