I- Luca®: The Robot That’s Changing the Game in Retinal Surgery

Interview with Christoph Spuhler , Founder of AcuSurgical, who unveils his revolutionary project: Luca®, a surgical robot specifically designed for retinal surgery. 

With a clear vision of the future of medicine, Christoph explains how robotics can transform surgical practices by providing unprecedented precision, thereby opening new possibilities for patients suffering from retinal diseases.

Luca®: Revolutionizing Retinal Surgery According to Christoph Spuhler.

Christoph, the founder of AcuSurgical, still remembers the exact moment that changed the course of his career. In 2016, a close friend had to undergo retinal surgery to remove a membrane, a procedure that, to him, seemed incredibly complex. “I had never heard of this surgery before, and it seemed very difficult,” Christoph recalls. This moment marked a turning point, sparking the vision of a radical innovation in retinal surgery.

Before this, Christoph already had extensive experience in surgical robotics, particularly in fields such as neurosurgery, spine surgery, and orthopedics. However, he had never imagined that robotics could be applied to retinal surgery, a field where precision is paramount and every movement matters. “I then wondered: why hasn’t robotics been used in this field yet?” he shares. After discussing with surgeons, a conviction grew in him: robotics could truly transform retinal surgery. This is how Luca®, a surgical robot designed to revolutionize this discipline, was born.

A Bold Vision for the Surgery of Tomorrow

The idea of revolutionizing retinal surgery didn’t come merely from a need to modernize existing tools but from a broader vision: to transform the healthcare field. “Healthcare is an area where technology has an immense impact, but it often lags behind other industries,” observes Christoph. He firmly believes that the future of medicine will be shaped by advanced technologies, with robotics being a central pillar.

Throughout his journey, he observed that surgeons were often skeptical about the arrival of new technologies. But with Luca®, the situation is different. “From the start, surgeons have shown incredible interest, even when the project was just an idea. They had seen the benefits of robotics in other specialties and were curious to see how it could apply to the retina,” he says. This enthusiasm, combined with a strong demand for greater precision in retinal procedures, propelled AcuSurgical down the path of innovation.

Luca®: A Revolution in Precision

One of the biggest challenges in retinal surgery is the absolute precision required to work on structures as tiny and sensitive as the retina. “The challenge was to achieve micrometric precision,” explains Christoph. Luca® was designed to offer exceptional control over even the finest movements.

"The precision was part of every decision we took when designing the system."

The results have been astounding. During the first uses, surgeons were amazed by the ease of use and the robot’s precision. “They expected a steep learning curve, but Luca® is so intuitive that they quickly gained confidence. It’s like an iPhone for surgery: it just works,” Christoph smiles.

This ease of use, combined with enhanced visualization, is what sets Luca® apart from other robotic systems on the market. The robot’s ergonomics allow surgeons to focus on what really matters: the precision of the intervention.

A New Era for Patients

Luca® doesn’t just aim to improve existing treatments but also to make new ones possible. For example, during subretinal injections for gene therapy, a new but delicate procedure, the robot can significantly reduce trauma to the retina, minimizing potential complications. “This will be a game changer for many patients,” Christoph explains, his enthusiasm evident.

Christoph speaks of a future where retinal surgery, made more accessible and precise, could change the lives of patients worldwide, also in less resource-rich regions. 

"Robotics, by leveling the playing field between surgeons, allows high-quality care to also be offered in less privileged environments." 

Challenges Overcome and a Promising Future

AcuSurgical recently achieved a crucial milestone with its first successful human clinical trial. “We learned that our design worked perfectly within the operating room, but we also realized that there are still improvements to be made to make the process faster and smoother,” Christoph shares. These feedbacks are an integral part of AcuSurgical’s approach: continuous evolution and an unwavering pursuit of improvement.

In the short term, the goal is to obtain certification for the Luca® platform and begin introducing it to hospitals. In the longer term, the company plans to expand the robot’s capabilities, adding more and more assistance and enhancements for surgeons. “We want to create a platform that will become increasingly indispensable over time. Luca® is just the beginning of a revolution in retinal surgery,” Christoph states.

A Future Dominated by Robotics

According to Christoph, the future of surgery is unquestionably robotic. “In a decade, the majority of surgeries will be assisted by robots. Initially, it will be cutting-edge surgeries in large hospitals, but in the medium term, even medium-sized hospitals will be using robotics,” he predicts, strengthening his belief that robotics will become the norm in medical practice.

And for young entrepreneurs who want to innovate in the medical field, Christoph has valuable advice:

 “The average surgeon doesn’t care about technology, they care about addressing a need. Once you’ve identified a need, then think about how to solve it !”

With Luca®, AcuSurgical is poised to change the face of retinal surgery. A revolution that has only just begun.