Senhance Surgical System (Asensus Surgical)
Robotic-assisted surgical platform featuring open console design, eye-tracking camera control, and haptic feedback for laparoscopic procedures.
What This Technology Is
The Senhance Surgical System is a robotic-assisted surgical platform developed by Asensus Surgical (formerly TransEnterix). Unlike Da Vinci's enclosed surgeon console, Senhance features an open cockpit design where the surgeon maintains direct line of sight to the patient and OR team.
Distinguishing features:
- Open console architecture: Surgeon faces the operating room rather than being enclosed
- Eye-tracking camera control: Camera movement can be controlled by surgeon eye movements rather than foot pedals
- Haptic feedback: System provides tactile feedback to the surgeon, a feature not present in Da Vinci systems
- Individual arm positioning: Separate robotic arms can be positioned independently around the patient
The system is designed for laparoscopic procedures and aims to provide a "digital laparoscopy" experience with robotic precision and haptic sensation.
Where It Is Deployed
Senhance has been installed in hospitals in Europe, Asia, and limited sites in the United States. Market penetration has been significantly smaller than Da Vinci systems. Asensus Surgical has faced financial challenges, affecting commercial expansion.
Target procedures:
- Cholecystectomy
- Hernia repair
- Colorectal surgery
- Gynecologic procedures
Known and Documented Failure Modes
Available adverse event data for Senhance is more limited given smaller installed base:
System-specific considerations
- Eye-tracking calibration and responsiveness
- Haptic feedback accuracy
- Open console sightlines balanced against focus on console displays
- Individual arm coordination
General robotic surgery risks
- Instrument malfunction
- Software errors
- Electrical or thermal injury
- System downtime requiring manual conversion
Commercial and support considerations
- Smaller installed base may affect service infrastructure
- Limited institutional experience may affect troubleshooting capability
- Surgeon training availability
Oversight and Regulatory Context
Senhance has FDA 510(k) clearance and CE Mark certification. The platform has been positioned as an alternative to Da Vinci with differentiated features (haptic feedback, open console, eye tracking).
The company's financial status has affected commercial strategy and market presence, creating uncertainty about long-term support and development.
Why This Matters
The surgical robotics market has been dominated by a single company for two decades. Alternative platforms like Senhance represent potential competition and innovation. However, smaller market presence also means:
- Less aggregate outcome data
- Potentially less robust service networks
- Surgeon familiarity may be limited
- Institutional experience varies significantly
For patients, the question is whether the platform's specific features offer meaningful clinical benefit and whether institutional support for the system is adequate.
External Resources
- Asensus Surgical — Senhance — Manufacturer information (commercial source)
- FDA MAUDE Database
Related Coverage
Report an Incident
If you have direct knowledge of a Senhance system malfunction, unexpected outcome, or safety concern, you can submit documentation to Safety Ledger.