Virtual Incision Appoints New CEO, Prepares for Next-Gen Surgical Robot Launch

Virtual Incision, a pioneer in miniaturized surgical robotics, has announced a significant leadership change as it gears up for the next phase of its growth. The company has appointed Jim Alecxih as its new CEO, replacing long-time chief executive John Murphy, who will transition to a senior board advisor role.

Alecxih Brings Extensive Robotics Experience to Virtual Incision

Jim Alecxih joins Virtual Incision with a wealth of experience in the medical technology sector, particularly in surgical robotics. Most recently, he served as the CEO of DH Medical, an artificial intelligence diagnostic software company. Alecxih's career spans over three decades in surgical technologies, including a notable stint at Intuitive Surgical, where he held the position of U.S. sales VP and played a crucial role in driving the adoption of the da Vinci robotic system across hospitals and health systems nationwide.

"The opportunity to lead Virtual Incision at this pivotal time is an extraordinary honor," Alecxih stated. "I believe deeply in the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery to both patients, surgeons and hospitals."

MIRA Robot Success and Future Plans

Virtual Incision's flagship product, the MIRA robot, received FDA de novo clearance in February 2024 for use in colectomy procedures. The MIRA system, weighing just two pounds, is designed to be fully inserted into the abdomen through a single incision in the navel. It features two remote-controlled arms and a camera, offering a minimally invasive approach to robotic surgery.

The company has made significant strides in demonstrating MIRA's telesurgery capabilities, including successful operations conducted remotely across the country and even in space. In a groundbreaking experiment, the MIRA robot was sent to the International Space Station to test the feasibility of providing surgical care to astronauts from Earth.

M2 System Development and Expansion Plans

With the success of MIRA, Virtual Incision is now focusing on its next-generation system, the M2. The company is preparing a series of FDA submissions across various surgical specialties for this new platform. Like its predecessor, the M2 is designed as a miniaturized, single-port system, aimed at expanding access to robotic-assisted surgery in rural hospitals, hospital outpatient departments, and ambulatory surgical centers.

Alecxih expressed enthusiasm about the M2's potential, stating, "M2 has the potential to dramatically expand access to robotic-assisted surgery in rural hospitals, [hospital outpatient departments] and [ambulatory surgical center] settings, and around the world."

As Virtual Incision moves forward with its ambitious plans, the company aims to challenge established players in the soft-tissue robotic surgery market, offering a more compact and versatile alternative to traditional cart-based systems. With Alecxih at the helm, Virtual Incision is poised to accelerate its development and commercialization efforts, potentially reshaping the landscape of robotic-assisted surgery in the coming years.