Virtual Incision

Virtual Incision Corporation, a medical technology firm headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, is focused on advancing the field of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). The company was co-founded in 2006 by Dmitry Oleynikov, MD, and Shane Farritor, PhD. Dr. Oleynikov, a minimally invasive surgeon, and Dr. Farritor, a professor of engineering with a background in space technology from NASA, combined their expertise to address the limitations of existing surgical robots, which are often large, complex, and costly. Their collaboration began at the University of Nebraska, aiming to create a smaller, more accessible surgical robot.

The company's core product is the MIRA (Miniaturized In-vivo Robotic Assistant) Surgical System. This device is designed as a small, self-contained surgical platform that is inserted entirely inside the patient's abdomen through a single small incision. It features an internal camera for visualization and two robotic arms that can grasp, dissect, and suture tissue, all controlled by a surgeon from an external console. This approach contrasts with traditional large, multi-port robotic systems that occupy significant space in the operating room. By miniaturizing the robot, Virtual Incision aims to make robotic surgery feasible in a wider range of hospital settings, including smaller hospitals and outpatient surgery centers, thus expanding patient access to minimally invasive procedures.

Virtual Incision's business model centers on the development and commercialization of the MIRA platform. The company generates revenue through the sale of the MIRA system to hospitals and surgical centers. A significant milestone was achieved in February 2024 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted marketing authorization for MIRA for use in colectomy procedures. In a notable demonstration of its technology, MIRA was tested aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in early 2024, where it successfully performed simulated surgical tasks, highlighting its potential for remote applications.

The company has secured substantial funding to support its research, development, and commercialization efforts. Notable funding rounds include a $46 million Series C in late 2021 and a subsequent $30 million in 2023, attracting investment from firms like Endeavour Vision and Baird Capital. Keywords: robotic-assisted surgery, MIRA system, surgical robotics, medical devices, minimally invasive surgery, colectomy, surgical technology, medtech, FDA approval, remote surgery