Reiza Rayman MD is the president of Titan Medical and holds a distinctive PhD in robotic surgery.
Reiza Rayman MD is the president of Titan Medical and holds a distinctive PhD in robotic surgery.
This rare combination of knowledge and perspective has helped spearhead what may be the first significant competitor to Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci® surgical system.
In an exclusive Q&A, Rayman offers some insight on his company’s recently completed prototype, the impact it will have on telemedicine capabilities and how the company’s Amadeus® will distinguish itself from a well-known market leader.
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How about some background on Titan Medical?
We’re a North American-based company developing Amadeus, a next generation 4-armed robotic surgical system with advancements in navigation and positioning, communication and vision that we believe will allow physicians to use robots in a significantly greater number of surgical procedures.
How will Amadeus potentially differ from the da Vinci?
In my opinion, the da Vinci is primarily focused on and well-suited for prostate procedures and hysterectomies. We want to expand those capabilities to include bowel surgeries, as well as more delicate areas like the heart – specifically procedures centering on the mitral valve.
The Amadeus will be better suited for these procedures through the use of less rigid instrument shafts made from lighter-weight carbon fillers. Not only will they be easier to manoeuvre, but they will also offer a better line of sight through the laparoscopic port via advanced 3-D imaging.
Specially designed sensors and a new type of motor feedback system will also offer a quicker and more intuitive feedback mechanism when the instruments contact surrounding areas. Additionally, these advanced controls will provide a better tactile feel when suturing.
Also, we’ve gone to great lengths in working to position the Amadeus as a great teaching and information sharing system. I can’t go into great detail, but the communicative capabilities will allow for more surgeons and trainees to view and share their surgical expertise over greater distances Also, simulation capabilities, based on software borrowed from aerospace applications, will be embedded so surgeons can become familiar with more of the equipment’s operation and students can obtain a higher quality of training on robotic surgery.
We feel that in addition to expanding the application range of robotic surgical equipment, the Amadeus will play a prominent role in expanding telemedicine’s use and implementation.
What progress has been made in developing the Amadeus?
We have developed our first working prototype. We are now moving forward to the final clinical device stage, which should be ready for clinical trials in 18 to 24 months.
For more information about the company, go to www.titanmedicalinc.com.