Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Leads the Way with Large-Scale Adoption of Medtronic's Hugo Robotic Surgery System

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has achieved a significant milestone in the field of surgical robotics by becoming the first healthcare provider in the UK to adopt the cutting-edge Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system developed by Medtronic. This groundbreaking technology has further bolstered the trust's position as the leading institution for robotic surgery in the country, with a total of seven robots now operating across six specialties. The trust made headlines earlier this year when its surgical team became the first in the world to successfully perform a procedure using RAS through a patient's mouth.

Headed by Ben Challacombe, the clinical lead for robotic surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’, the trust has been at the forefront of embracing robotic technology in the healthcare sector. With over 1,500 robotic surgeries conducted annually, the institution has solidified its reputation as a pioneer in the field. The addition of the Hugo system to their robotic surgery program allows the trust to extend the benefits of this advanced technology, including reduced complications and smaller scars, to an even larger number of patients.

Medtronic, the company behind the Hugo RAS system, is committed to making minimally invasive surgery accessible to people worldwide. To achieve this goal, Medtronic is focused on developing a comprehensive ecosystem of robotics and digital solutions for the operating room. By collaborating with Guy’s and St Thomas’ on the integration of the Hugo system, Medtronic aims to advance the field of robotic-assisted surgery and enhance patient outcomes.

Similar to other robotic-assisted surgery systems, the Hugo robot brings numerous advantages to patients. It not only reduces complications and shortens hospital stays but also equips surgeons with wristed instruments and high-definition 3D visualizations, which facilitate precise surgical maneuvers. During a procedure with Hugo, the surgeon operates from an open console that displays a detailed 3D view, enabling them to meticulously control the robotic arms and instruments. Only small incisions are made in the patient's body, through which the state-of-the-art surgical tools and a cutting-edge camera are inserted.

George Murgatroyd, the vice president and general manager of digital technologies in Medtronic's surgical operating unit, expressed the company's enthusiasm for partnering with Ben Challacombe and the exceptional team at Guy’s and St Thomas'. This collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to incorporating robotics and digital solutions in the operating theater and aligns with Medtronic's mission to expand global access to high-quality healthcare.

Recognizing the importance of proper training for surgeons utilizing the Hugo system, Guy’s and St Thomas’ has joined forces with Proximie, a pioneering platform that facilitates surgical training. Through Proximie, surgeons can remotely observe live surgeries without the need for physical presence and access recordings of previous procedures. This innovative training method ensures that the surgical team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ is highly skilled and proficient in operating the Hugo RAS system, ultimately benefiting patients by providing them with the best possible care.

The adoption of the Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is a significant advancement in the field of surgical robotics in the UK. With its focus on enhancing patient outcomes and expanding access to care, this collaboration between the trust and Medtronic sets a precedent for the future of robotic-assisted surgery. As technology continues to evolve, such innovations will undoubtedly revolutionize the way surgeries are performed, leading to improved patient experiences, shorter recovery times, and better overall healthcare outcomes.