MMI Reports Completion of 1st Robotic Procedure for Alzheimer’s

MMI (Medical Microinstruments Inc.) announced the completion of the first robotic-assisted procedure in its REMIND investigational device exemption (IDE) study, which is evaluating microsurgical intervention for neurodegenerative disease.

The case was performed by a multidisciplinary team at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Fla. and represents the study’s inaugural procedure and first patient enrollment. The participant has moderate Alzheimer’s disease with confirmed abnormalities in their deep cervical lymph node (dCLN) region.

Dr. Michael DeFazio, plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Florida Plastic Surgery Group, who specializes in the surgical treatment of lymphedema, performed the procedure, with Ricardo Hanel, MD, Ph.D., co-medical director of Baptist Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, REMIND site PI, and member of the Federal Alzheimer’s Advisory Council as co-surgeon.

“I’m honored to join this effort in exploring how robotic lymphovenous bypass at the supermicrosurgical level can be applied in a new clinical context,” said Dr. DeFazio. “Precision is paramount in such technically demanding procedures, and this robotic technology enables us to perform techniques with the control needed to explore this potential new and exciting application of lymphatic reconstruction.”

The first-of-its-kind trial is assessing the Symani surgical system’s safety and feasibility to undergo microsurgical techniques in the region of the neck. The multi-center study will enroll 15 patients who will be followed twelve months after the procedure.

“This is a historic first and important step in advancing a potential breakthrough intervention for neurodegenerative disease,” said Mark Toland, CEO of MMI. “By evaluating novel microsurgical robotic techniques, we’re building on a decade of global research that moves science closer to what could become a life-changing treatment option for the tens of millions of Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers globally.”

The procedure explores if restoring lymphatic drainage pathways in the dCLNs might support improved clearance of harmful neurotoxins that researchers believe contribute the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. According to MMI, Symani is the only commercial available robotic platform engineered specifically for high-precision microsurgical and supermicrosurgical procedures.

As enrollment progresses, data gathered through REMIND is anticipated to inform future research, including the possibility for a larger pivotal trial. REMIND is one of several studies at MMI aimed at building clinical evidence needed to support advancement of robotic microsurgery into additional and emerging applications.