MMI Rolls Out Microsurgical Suture for Robotics in U.S.

MMI (Medical Microinstruments Inc.) has launched its Robotic Suture in the U.S. It’s the first suture purpose-built for the Symani surgical system and is suitable for cases where delicate suturing is required.

The Robotic Suture was developed in collaboration with Kono Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (Crownjun), a global leader in microsurgical sutures. It features a shorter suture length and needle enhancements tailored to robotic techniques.

It’s engineered to move beyond traditional suture capabilities with improved handling and consistent performance through robotic anastomosis.

“While Symani continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with the human hand at the micro scale, we see a clear path to further enhance surgical performance through technologies optimized for robotic microsurgery,” said Mark Toland, CEO of MMI. “The introduction of advanced technology, such as robotics, is driving continued demand for innovation in microsurgery. The suture expands that ecosystem with a solution that further supports surgeons and their patients with enhanced precision, efficiency, and outcomes.”

The sutures are about one-third to one-half the length of conventional micro sutures and engineered to improve manageability and decrease anastomosis time during complex procedures. Two needle curvatures allow optimal needle angulation for the anatomy, with the potential to improve patency and minimize tissue trauma.

Direct surgeon loading offers east grasping, particularly in supermicrosurgery cases.

“Standard suture needles often have a long curve not ideal for robotic work. Based upon my early experience in supermicrosurgical procedures, the Robotic Suture has better positioning with a curvature that suits the instrument design, making needle passage easier with limited wrist articulation required,” said Dr. Siba Haykal, Section Chief of Reconstructive Oncology and Plastic, Reconstructive and Microvascular Surgeon at Yale New Haven Hospital, was the first to use the new suture in clinical cases earlier this week. “The shorter length is key for the robot and for smaller vessels, and these features could help me reduce my overall suture usage. I also see myself using the suture in my manual cases.”

In December, MMI earned U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its NanoWrist scissors and forceps indicated for soft tissue dissection.