CMR Surgical has launched of its Versius Surgical Robotic System at Clinique du Parc Hospital in Saint-Etienne, France.

The arrival of Versius aims to support a higher use of robotic keyhole surgery. Versius at Clinique du Parc is being used to conduct procedures such as hernia repair surgeries, prostatectomies and hysterectomies.

Per Vegard Nerseth, chief executive officer of CMR Surgical said: “France is one of the largest surgical robotics markets in the world and we are delighted to be launching Versius into such a highly influential region. In Versius we have created a unique system with the potential to radically transform surgery – making the best surgical care more accessible than ever before. Over the past year CMR has seen global interest in Versius increase exponentially and today is another important step forward as we continue to bring this pioneering technology to surgeons and hospitals across Europe and beyond.”

Versius brings next-generation technology to MAS. It can be moved easily and used in virtually any operating room, meaning that a single system at Clinique du Parc could be used to perform up to 300 cases every year. It also offers a route to making surgical robotics more routinely available, addressing inequity in access to surgical robotics technology. Across France, over 1,500 hospitals currently perform MAS, yet only 6% of medium-sized public hospitals have a robotic surgery department. Versius aims to offer an innovative solution to this challenge, making MAS far more accessible.

Karine Giroudon, division director at C2S and manager of Clinique du Parc, said: “The arrival of Versius is a remarkable opportunity for Clinique du Parc - the first hospital in France to benefit from this exceptional technology. Versius’ versatility and the fact that it is easily transportable means we have complete flexibility. Unlike anything before it, Versius can be used many times a day, in different theatres and by teams working across multiple disciplines such as gastroenterology, urology and gynaecology. Our surgical teams are leading the way in the use of this surgical tool, allowing us to offer the benefits of MAS to more patients than ever before.”