Microbot's Robotic Surgery System Shows Promise as GE Healthcare Welcomes New Leadership

In a week of significant developments for the medical technology sector, Microbot Medical has released positive data from a pivotal trial of its innovative endovascular robotic system, while GE Healthcare appoints a new leader for its patient care solutions business. Meanwhile, Puzzle Medical Devices secures substantial funding to advance its percutaneous heart pump technology.

Microbot's Liberty System Demonstrates Success in Pivotal Trial

Microbot Medical has unveiled encouraging results from a pivotal trial of its Liberty Endovascular Robotic System. The single-use surgical robot, controlled via a video game-style interface, successfully navigated through blood vessels in all 20 procedures conducted across three U.S. medical centers, meeting the study's primary endpoint.

The trial highlighted several key benefits of the Liberty system:

• A 92% relative reduction in radiation exposure for physicians
• Median navigation time to target of just three minutes
• 100% physician satisfaction rate
• No adverse device events reported

With these positive outcomes, Microbot is positioning itself for potential FDA clearance in the second quarter. The company has bolstered its financial position with a recent $13 million fundraise and has hired a vice president of sales in anticipation of market entry.

GE Healthcare Appoints Alcon Executive to Lead Patient Care Solutions

GE Healthcare has announced the appointment of Jeannette Bankes as president and CEO of its patient care solutions business, effective May 1. Bankes, who previously served as president of global franchises at Alcon, brings extensive experience in product development and commercialization within the medical device industry.

The patient care solutions unit, which focuses on patient monitoring and anesthesia delivery technologies, reported revenues of $827 million in Q4 2024. Bankes will succeed Tom Westrick, who is retiring after more than two decades with GE Healthcare.

Puzzle Medical Devices Secures $31 Million for Heart Pump Development

Puzzle Medical Devices has raised CAD 43 million (approximately $31 million) in a funding round led by KF Matheson and Desjardins Capital. The investment will support the refinement and clinical assessment of the company's percutaneous heart pump, designed as a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for chronic heart failure patients.

This latest funding follows a CAD 34 million raise in 2023, which facilitated the completion of a human feasibility study. Puzzle Medical Devices aims to position its technology as a safer option with reduced complications compared to traditional surgical approaches.