Technology description, initial experience and first impression of HUGO™ RAS robot platform in urologic procedures in Brazil

Abstract

Robotic surgery is a reality in the practice of urologists in developed and in several undeveloped countries.The first clinical procedures were performed in 2000 and since then was observed a fast spread in surgical practice, especially in Urology (1).The Intuitive company remained exclusive in the market of production of robotic platforms in the past two decades.With the end of patent, different companies are developing new robotic platforms.The market will select which equipment will add real clinical benefits to be incorporated into daily practice (2).To be able to evaluate a new technology, is necessary to remember the main issues related to the standard robotic platform with impact on the improvement of quality and surgical technique.Among them, it is important to mention (3, 4):• Surgeon's ergonomic;• Surgeon autonomy in controlling the camera and others instruments.• Three dimensions vision;• Tremor elimination;• Instruments that allow a wide movement similar to surgeon hands; • Safety devices.Is also important quote the issues and limitations of the first platforms that still hinder or preclude them from being implemented in many centers.Among them can be mentioned: high cost, availability for training and qualification.Thus, for a new technology to be interesting, it must offers the same benefits and supply some needs and limitations not met by other platforms.The company that is entering in the competition and in this technological race is Medtronic.One of the largest medical device companies in the world produced its first robotic surgery platform called Hugo™ RAS (HR) -Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA.This platform emerged with the aim of offering a safe tool that allows the surgeons to operate with the same quality as they perform with the "standard" platform.As a challenge, this technology comes with the proposal of having more accessible cost, allowing access to a greater number of patients and the training of more surgeons.