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Interventional Systems has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Micromate robot for percutaneous procedures. Kitzbühel, Austria–based Interventional Systems developed Micromate as a table-mounted medical robot for interventional procedures, touting it as the world’s smallest robot for those of the percutaneous kind.

Micromate uses a universal instrument guidance platform that allows physicians to continue using their preferred surgical instruments while performing targeting under live imaging through any cone-beam computerized tomography (CT), fluoro CT or a fluoroscope. Using a joystick, surgeons can line up and guide a needle from entirely outside the operation room.

The company said it plans to launch its operations in the U.S. in the second half of 2021 by launching centers of excellence for robotic-guided interventional procedures. It also plans to establish commercial partnerships with third parties seeking robotic offerings for their customers.

“After a successful start with our partners in Europe and over ten years of experience in medical robotics, we decided it was about time we reached the other side of the pond,” Interventional Systems founder & CEO Michael Vogele said in the release. “We are sure our product is bound to democratize medical robotics in the US. The proven submillimeter accuracy and affordable price make it the most seasoned choice for any institution that is looking for new technology in order to improve the outcomes of interventional procedures.”