Page 28 - International Space Station Benefits for Humanity, 3rd edition.

to develop robotic technologies based on their
ISS-honed expertise.
The application of MDA’s robotic In 2013, MDA began a collaboration with Synaptive
expertise toward NeuroArm and Medical to develop high-resolution digital microscopes
Synaptive’s Modus V technology that incorporate robotic arm technology. Synaptive
then implemented the robotically operated microscope
illustrate how ISS technology technology, Modus V, into their BrightMatter surgical
development can lead to both platform. Modus V was unveiled in October 2017 as
part of the BrightMatter surgical platform.
commercialization and quality- Most recently, MDA worked with Dr. Mehran Anvari
of-life benefits today. of the Canadian Centre for Surgical Invention and
Innovation to develop the Image Guided Autonomous
Robot (IGAR) device. IGAR is an emerging robotic
solution with many potential applications—the first of
which will enable radiologists to remotely conduct MRI
From 2006 through 2017, work on this system guided biopsies of cancerous breast tissues. IGAR-
resulted in eight patents, 10 scientific articles, and Breast has already completed Phase I & II clinical trials.
generated more than $18 million in research funding It holds the potential to become the first FDA 510(k)
for NeuroArm Surgical. In 2010, IMRIS acquired the approved MRI-guided robotic breast biopsy device,
NeuroArm technology for $8.3 million. A second- and is expected to first demonstrate its capabilities
generation model, SYMBIS, successfully received FDA in U.S. markets.
510(k) clearance in 2015 for brain biopsy procedures The application of MDA’s robotic expertise toward
following successful clinical trials. Unfortunately, IMRIS NeuroArm and Synaptive’s Modus V technology
filed for bankruptcy in 2015, was acquired by Deerfield illustrate how ISS technology development can lead
Management and rebranded as IMRIS, Deerfield to both commercialization and quality-of-life benefits
Imaging. The new company has no known plans for today. The potential of the IGAR device illustrates
commercializing SYMBIS. However, neuroArm/SYMBIS further emerging value toward the promise of
systems were successfully used in 70 surgical cases autonomous robotic surgical capabilities in the future.
with varying pathology. In addition, MDA has continued

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