As robotic-assisted microsurgery continues to push the boundaries of precision and patient outcomes, the need for equally advanced instruments and consumables is becoming increasingly clear. While robotic platforms have evolved rapidly, many of the tools used alongside them, particularly sutures, have remained largely unchanged, creating a critical gap in surgical workflows.
Addressing this challenge, Medical Microinstruments (MMI) is advancing a new generation of robotic-compatible suturing solutions designed specifically for its Symani Surgical System. By reengineering one of the most fundamental elements of surgery, the company aims to enhance precision, streamline workflows, and improve outcomes in complex microsurgical procedures.
In this interview with MedTech Spectrum, Jeff LaConte, VP of Global Business Development at MMI, discusses the clinical gaps that inspired this innovation, the engineering breakthroughs behind robotic sutures, and how a broader ecosystem of purpose-built tools is shaping the future of robotic microsurgery.
What specific clinical gaps did MMI aim to address with this innovation?
Traditional microsurgical sutures were designed decades ago and have seen limited improvements to accommodate new surgical techniques, technology advancements like robotics, and the increasing complexity of procedures being performed today. This can make suturing both manually and robotically more cumbersome and result in inefficiencies, additional cost, and less-than-ideal clinical outcomes. By partnering with Crownjun, a premium quality manufacturer, we were able to expand the features of an already innovative product to address these challenges.
How does the robotic suture enhance the capabilities of the Symani System compared to conventional suturing methods?
The robotic suture is specifically designed to work in concert with Symani's unique capabilities, addressing limitations that can arise when conventional micro sutures are used in a robotic environment. Features such as optimised needle curvature and flat grasping points are tailored for strong and consistent robotic handling to improve needle passage and reduce vessel damage. Quick load packaging allows surgeons to grab the needle directly with the robot and shorter suture lengths aid in reducing procedure time and improving workflow. These features can support an improved learning curve for robotics and overall adoption, which could provide more patients with access to the benefits of Symani robotic microsurgery.
What were the key design and engineering challenges in developing a suture optimised for robotic-assisted microsurgery (in collaboration with Kono Seisakusho)?
The greatest challenge was developing the world’s smallest needle for robotic-assisted microsurgery, just 30µm in diameter, in a way that could remain both strong and exceptionally sharp. In collaboration with Kono Seisakusho (Crownjun), we leveraged high-performance steel to create harder, sharper needles that reduce penetration force by nearly 50%, helping surgeons maintain consistent control during robotic suturing.
From a surgeon’s perspective, how does this impact workflow efficiency, precision and consistency in complex procedures?
From a surgeon’s perspective, the robotic suture streamlines workflow while improving consistency during some of the most delicate steps of microsurgery. The easy-load packaging allows the surgeon to grasp the needle directly in an optimal orientation, enabling suturing to begin immediately. In traditional microsurgery, fragile micro and supermicrosurgical needles can be damaged or lost during manual loading and handling, often requiring multiple hand-offs and adjustments before the suture ever reaches the operative field. With the Robotic Suture, these steps are simplified by providing a consistent, predefined suture length designed specifically for robotic use. This helps surgeons work more efficiently within their visible and physical workspace, reducing unnecessary movement, minimising disruption at the console, and supporting smoother, more predictable anastomosis. In complex procedures, greater efficiency and consistency can be especially important when operating on fragile tissue.
How do you see the ecosystem of complementary tools evolving alongside robotic platforms?
As robotic platforms gain traction in microsurgery, we see the ecosystem evolving beyond the robot to include instruments, visualisation, digital tools, and consumables that are purpose-built for robotic use. Microsurgery presents incredible challenges when managing the body’s smallest and most delicate structures, and many traditional tools were not designed with robotics in mind. At MMI, our focus is on expanding the Symani ecosystem with complementary technologies that help surgeons work more efficiently and consistently during complex procedures. This includes ongoing internal development, such as advanced digital surgery solutions, including a mobile app that provides Symani procedural insights for surgeons and administrators, as well as selective partnerships that create mutual value. Ultimately, the goal is to make it easier for surgeons to deliver precise care to patients.
Following the US launch, what are MMI’s plans for global expansion and future innovation?
We are taking a region-by-region approach to global expansion of the robotic suture, guided by regulatory requirements and surgeon demand. The response from microsurgeons outside the US has been encouraging, and we are actively evaluating how best to bring the suture to them for use with the Symani Surgical System around the world.
