Meet this week’s guest, Olivier Delporte, the CEO of SamanTree Medical. He joined me, your host, Henry Norton, to discuss his company’s game-changing imaging technology, which is set to improve surgical outcomes for cancer patients in the breast and prostate areas. 

Oliver also has an extensive background in venture capital, which he says compliments his role as CEO, as it allows him to build the company to a point that it is attractive to investors. 

He also discussed the innovations behind the Histolog Scanner, including the current imaging systems and their failings, which prompted SamanTree Medical to create their device in the first place. 

Oliver also focuses on patient outcomes, citing the lowered need for reintervention as one of his company’s scanners’ biggest achievements, particularly when treating breast cancer. 

He shared some of the wider applications that the scanner could be used for, including lung, urology and thoracic procedures. 

Key Topics: 

• Oliver’s background and career journey, including the insights he’s gained from it 

• Venture capitalists’ interest in medical technology 

• The Histolog Scanner and its clinical purposes 

• The impact of AI on the scanner’s further development 

Related Insights: 

• The benefits of clinical data for market expansion 

• Commercialisation strategies 

• The need for high-performing people in smaller startups 

Core Challenges:

• Previous imaging procedures, such as frozen section analysis, aren’t suitable for current clinical needs. Surgeons need faster, more reliable imaging systems in order to make the best decisions for their patients and provide better outcomes for the people in their care. 

• The Histolog Scanner provides faster imaging services and is set to provide readings, analysis and other support as AI technology advances. This will help surgeons make faster and better decisions while operating. 

Listen in to this fascinating episode that covers everything from funding and partnerships to human interest stories and life-altering surgical procedures.

The Crux of MedTech podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment agency.

To learn more about Cruxx,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠click here.⁠⁠⁠

A big thank you to our sponsors on this season of the podcast;

⁠⁠TTP plc⁠⁠⁠⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠⁠⁠⁠TTP plc⁠⁠⁠⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠TTP.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

&

⁠KUKA⁠⁠ is a global leader in robotics with over 25 years of experience partnering with medtech companies on their journey to market. Their reputation is built on robust technology, reliability and long term collaboration and being more than just a supplier.

KUKA provides trusted support throughout the product life cycle, from development to integration and beyond. 

Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kuka.com/healthcare

This episode of the Crux of Medtech podcast has not one, but two guests, who joined me at TTP’s offices for an exciting conversation about the future of surgical robotics - and that’s the best name for the technology we’re exploring. 

I’m delighted to introduce Paul Galluzzo, Head of Surgical Intervention and Imaging at TTP, and Steve Bell, an independent Medtech startup advisor. 

They discussed the ways that our technology needs to evolve in order to improve surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients, as well as the enhanced laparoscopic applications for more advanced remote surgeries. 

Steve and Paul also talked about the benefits of a build-to-buy startup, and the challenges that other startups face when they’re building and selling their surgical robots. 

That included juggling competing priorities from investors and end buyers, as well as the need to solve challenges while understanding their customers’ needs. 

Key Topics: 

• Current trends in surgical robotics

• How surgeon needs will shape the medical technology of the future

• Commercial involvement in research and development

• Advice for medtech startup founders

Related Insights: 

• The need for AI support for surgeons

• Why investors should continue to support medtech startups

• The importance of commercial advice from day one in startups

Core Challenges:

• Laparoscopic robotics aren’t dextrous enough to provide surgeons with the maneuverability that they need for more complex procedures without compromising their patients’ quality of life. 

• Upcoming surgical robotics should meet these needs with enhanced personalisation and increased haptic feedback, enabling even relatively inexperienced surgeons to perform more complex procedures effectively. 

Tune in now for insightful advice about startup strategies and the ongoing need for improved surgical robotics.

The Crux of MedTech podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment agency.

To learn more about Cruxx,⁠⁠ ⁠click here.⁠⁠

A big thank you to our sponsors on this season of the podcast;

⁠TTP plc⁠⁠⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠⁠⁠TTP plc⁠⁠⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠TTP.com⁠⁠⁠

&

⁠KUKA⁠⁠ is a global leader in robotics with over 25 years of experience partnering with medtech companies on their journey to market. Their reputation is built on robust technology, reliability and long term collaboration and being more than just a supplier.

KUKA provides trusted support throughout the product life cycle, from development to integration and beyond. 

Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kuka.com/healthcare

Welcome to the first ever episode of the Crux of MedTech podcast!

I’m your host, Henry Norton, and in this series I’ll be introducing you to some of the leading innovators and investors in the surgical robotics space, to share their stories and insights.

This week, I’m joined by Manios Dimitrakakis, the CEO of Panda Surgical.

He talks about his journey from academia to industry, following his path from post-graduate researcher to his current role as CEO of an exciting young MedTech company.

Manios shares his perspectives on why neurosurgery is falling behind surgical fields like laparoscopy when it comes to their surgical robotics and other similar tools, as well as what he, and the rest of the Panda Surgical team, are doing to change that.

Key Topics:

- The technical and economic barriers that have slowed innovation

- How Panda Surgical is improving precision and safety with handheld robotic tools

- The challenges of transitioning from academic research to a commercial product

- The role of surgeon feedback in refining robotic surgical devices

Company Insights:

- Preparing for their first-in-human trials

- Raising Series A funding to accelerate development of their device

- Expanding into U.S., European, and APAC markets

Core Challenges:

- Despite major advances in robotic surgery, neurosurgeons still rely on outdated instruments that limit precision.

- Panda Surgical is addressing this gap with a handheld robotic system designed for minimally invasive brain and spine procedures.

Listen in for some fascinating inside information about the creation of Panda Surgical’s robotic device, and where Manios plans to take it, and the company, next.

The Crux of MedTech podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment agency.

To learn more about Cruxx,⁠ ⁠click here.⁠

A big thank you to our sponsors on this season of the podcast;

TTP plc⁠⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠⁠TTP plc⁠⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies. Learn more at ⁠⁠TTP.com⁠⁠

&

⁠KUKA⁠⁠ is a global leader in robotics with over 25 years of experience partnering with medtech companies on their journey to market. Their reputation is built on robust technology, reliability and long term collaboration and being more than just a supplier.

KUKA provides trusted support throughout the product life cycle, from development to integration and beyond. 

Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kuka.com/healthcare

Discover the importance of strong value propositions when developing a new surgical robot with your host, Henry Norton, and Paul Galluzzo, the ??? at The Technology Partnership (TTP).

Paul also shared his predictions for upcoming technologies in the surgical robotics industry, including augmented reality and artificial intelligence, as they continue to enhance surgeons’ skills.

He also shared his insights on what makes a business in the sector successful, citing the importance of resources and market share when taking a new robot to market.

Paul also shared some of the innovative solutions that TTP are creating, emphasising the role of academic research in producing new technology.

Tune in to learn more about the role of purpose and precision in surgical robotics.

The Surgibots Podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment company that was founded by your host, Henry Norton.

To learn more about Cruxx, ⁠click here.⁠

TTP plc⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠TTP plc⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies.

Learn more at ⁠TTP.com⁠&⁠FundamentalVR⁠ revolutionises surgical training with its immersive VR and haptic platforms, offering realistic simulations for surgeons. Specializing in surgical robotics, orthopedics, and more, they provide hands-on experience without the need for physical labs.

Learn more at ⁠FundamentalVR.com

Take a look at the inner workings of Distalmotion with CEO Greg Roche and your host, Henry Norton, in this fascinating episode!

Greg shared the importance of the company’s value proposition in taking Dexter, their surgical robot, to a global market.

They also touched on the evolution of surgical robotics, both in technical terms and its increasing adoption in new generations of surgeons.

Tune in to discover more about innovation in smaller surgical robotics players.

The Surgibots Podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment company that was founded by your host, Henry Norton.

To learn more about Cruxx, ⁠click here.⁠

TTP plc⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠TTP plc⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies.

Learn more at ⁠TTP.com⁠&⁠FundamentalVR⁠ revolutionises surgical training with its immersive VR and haptic platforms, offering realistic simulations for surgeons. Specializing in surgical robotics, orthopedics, and more, they provide hands-on experience without the need for physical labs.

Learn more at ⁠FundamentalVR.com

Delve into the topic of evidence and value-based medicine with your host, Henry Norton, and Mark Slack, the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of CMR Surgical.

Mark joined us to share his experience of working with surgical robotics and the impact they have on patient outcomes.

He also shared his perspective on using untested technologies and the serious impact this can have on the health and wellbeing of hundreds, or even thousands, of patients.

Throughout the conversation he highlighted the importance of patient-first care, stating that patient-centricity is the most human element of healthcare.

Tune in to find out more about the history and future of surgical robotics.

The Surgibots Podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment company that was founded by your host, Henry Norton.

To learn more about Cruxx, ⁠click here.⁠

TTP plc⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠TTP plc⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies.

Learn more at ⁠TTP.com⁠&⁠FundamentalVR⁠ revolutionises surgical training with its immersive VR and haptic platforms, offering realistic simulations for surgeons. Specializing in surgical robotics, orthopedics, and more, they provide hands-on experience without the need for physical labs.

Learn more at ⁠FundamentalVR.com

Explore the applications of ultrasound in surgical robotics with your host, Henry Norton, and Nico Fenu, the Co-Founder and CEO of Nami Surgical.

Nico explained the variety of ultrasound applications within the surgical robotics industry, from ultrasonic imaging to biopsies and precision surgery.

He also explained the technical side of developing an ultrasound application, as well as Nami Surgical’s process of spinning out from a university research centre.

Tune in to hear more about this exciting branch of surgical development.

The Surgibots Podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment company that was founded by your host, Henry Norton.

To learn more about Cruxx, ⁠click here.⁠

TTP plc⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠TTP plc⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies.

Learn more at ⁠TTP.com⁠&⁠FundamentalVR⁠ revolutionises surgical training with its immersive VR and haptic platforms, offering realistic simulations for surgeons. Specializing in surgical robotics, orthopedics, and more, they provide hands-on experience without the need for physical labs.

Learn more at ⁠FundamentalVR.com

Explore the realms of sports medicine and arthroscopy with your host, Henry Norton, and Chris Jeffery, the CEO of Convergence Medical.

Chris explained his journey into arthroscopy, touching on his history as a three-time founder and his passion for improving healthcare.

They also discussed the importance of adapting technology to changing market demands, from financial constraints to surgeon’s limited capabilities.

Tune in to hear more about improving accuracy and dexterity with surgical robotics.

The Surgibots Podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment company that was founded by your host, Henry Norton.

To learn more about Cruxx, ⁠click here.⁠

TTP plc⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠TTP plc⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies.

Learn more at ⁠TTP.com⁠&⁠FundamentalVR⁠ revolutionises surgical training with its immersive VR and haptic platforms, offering realistic simulations for surgeons. Specializing in surgical robotics, orthopedics, and more, they provide hands-on experience without the need for physical labs.

Learn more at ⁠FundamentalVR.com

Discover telesurgery’s fascinating origin and future in this double-feature episode with Cynthia Perazzo and Yulun Wang, the Co-Founders of Sovato.

Your host, Henry Norton, guided the conversation through topics such as patient-driven adoption to the potential for healthcare revolution.

Cynthia and Yulun also discussed surgeon shortages and the accessibility challenges facing more rural and remote populations in receiving a high standard of care.

Listen in to learn more about technology’s role in transforming healthcare in the coming years.

The Surgibots Podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment company that was founded by your host, Henry Norton.

To learn more about Cruxx, ⁠click here.⁠

TTP plc⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠TTP plc⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies.

Learn more at ⁠TTP.com⁠&⁠FundamentalVR⁠ revolutionises surgical training with its immersive VR and haptic platforms, offering realistic simulations for surgeons. Specializing in surgical robotics, orthopedics, and more, they provide hands-on experience without the need for physical labs.

Learn more at ⁠FundamentalVR.com

Explore the complexity of clinical data with Bjoern von Siemens, the Founder of Caresyntax and this week’s guest speaker.

In this episode, hosted by Henry Norton, Bjoern discussed the future of MedTech, including the role that data and AI will play in developing the technology that is currently set to transform surgery for future generations.

They also touched on the importance of reducing the cost of care and making safe surgery accessible to everyone.

Tune in to learn more about the role of automation and analytics in developing the surgical robotics industry.

The Surgibots Podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment company that was founded by your host, Henry Norton.

To learn more about Cruxx, ⁠click here.⁠

TTP plc⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠TTP plc⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies.

Learn more at ⁠TTP.com⁠&⁠FundamentalVR⁠ revolutionises surgical training with its immersive VR and haptic platforms, offering realistic simulations for surgeons. Specializing in surgical robotics, orthopedics, and more, they provide hands-on experience without the need for physical labs.

Learn more at ⁠FundamentalVR.com