Senhance brings minimally invasive robotic surgery to pediatrics

While robotic surgeries have been around for nearly 40 years now, pediatric surgeries still present a significant challenge for these systems. This tricky specialty includes operating on patients weighing anywhere from less than 1 lb. to over 250 lb.

The smaller the patient is, the more crucial it is to make small cuts, which can be a challenge when using the larger instruments that typically come with surgical robots.

Asensus Surgical Inc. is putting extra attention into aiding these procedures with its Senhance system. The company creates smaller surgical instruments to ensure that younger patients have fewer complications.

In December 2024, Rev, a 16-year-old from Aurora, Colo., became the first patient to be operated on with a remotely controlled Senhance robot at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children’s. After the removal of his gallbladder with the Asensus Surgical system, Rev was discharged that afternoon. Just two days later, the teenager was out of the hospital and dancing at his homecoming dance.

Dr. Steve Rothenberg, the surgeon who performed the procedure, has more than 20 years of experience working with surgical robots. In that time, he said he struggled to find a system that can meet the unique demands of pediatrics. Until he started using the Senhance system.

Senhance comes with a range of tools that surgeons can use while they’re operating, said Durham, N.C.-based Asensus. For example, the system can track where the surgeon is looking and direct the camera to those areas.

The system is also designed to be easy to maneuver in case the surgeon needs to step in if something doesn’t go according to plan. Asensus Surgical is pushing the boundaries of robotic surgery by prioritizing pediatrics.

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