TransEnterix Senhance Surgical System

by Asensus Surgical, Inc.  · Based in United States → — Pioneering a new era of Performance-Guided Surgery™ through digital laparoscopy and augmented intelligence.
Colorectal Surgery General Surgery Urology
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Estimated range: $1 million - $1.5 million usd
Regulatory Status Disclosed

Overview

The Senhance® Surgical System, developed by Asensus Surgical (formerly TransEnterix and now part of KARL STORZ), is an advanced multi-port robotic surgical system designed to enhance minimally invasive surgery (MIS). It digitizes the interface between the surgeon and the patient, aiming to improve surgical precision, control, and efficiency. [1, 2, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 30, 36, 43]

The system integrates cutting-edge technology such as robotic precision, haptic sensing, and eye-tracking camera control, providing surgeons with real-time insights and a heightened sense of awareness during delicate procedures. [5, 9, 14, 15, 21, 22, 26, 30, 43] Its open-platform architecture allows for compatibility with existing hospital infrastructure, including 3DHD and fluorescence vision systems. [5, 14, 43] The Senhance System utilizes a portfolio of reusable 3mm, 5mm, and 10mm instruments, which helps maintain per-procedure costs comparable to traditional laparoscopy and supports sustainability goals. [5, 9, 14, 27, 30, 34, 40, 43]

Powered by the Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISU™), the system leverages augmented intelligence and machine vision to provide capabilities like automatic camera control, digital tagging, and real-time surgical image analytics, with the goal of reducing variability and improving patient outcomes. [12, 13, 15, 21, 22, 26, 29, 30, 42, 44] Asensus Surgical is committed to making advanced surgical solutions more accessible and predictable for patients, surgeons, and hospitals worldwide. [3, 12, 17, 18, 28, 36]

Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist

Key Features

  • Robotic precision with motion scaling
  • Haptic sensing for tactile feedback
  • Eye-tracking camera control (hands-free camera movement)
  • Improved ergonomics with comfortable seated surgeon console
  • Open-platform architecture for integration with existing OR technologies
  • Reusable 3mm, 5mm, and 10mm instrument portfolio
  • Digital fulcrum to minimize torque at incision site
  • Augmented Intelligence (AI) via Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISUu2122)
  • 3DHD visualization for enhanced depth perception
  • Senhance Connect digital collaboration platform for remote support and training

Use Cases

  • Performing complex laparoscopic gynecological procedures
  • Assisting in laparoscopic colorectal surgeries
  • Enabling general laparoscopic surgical procedures
  • Supporting laparoscopic urological surgeries (adult and pediatric)
  • Facilitating laparoscopic thoracic surgeries
  • Enhancing bariatric surgical interventions

What Physicians Need to Know

Surgical Planning Capabilities
The Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISU) provides real-time insights and augmented intelligence, which, while primarily intraoperative, can inform and enhance surgical decision-making and planning by leveraging data from past surgeries. Expanded machine vision capabilities include 3D measurement and digital tagging, which can be utilized for detailed pre-operative assessment and planning when integrated with imaging.
Intraoperative Guidance
The system offers real-time augmented intelligence through the ISU, providing surgical image analytics, machine vision-driven camera control, 3D measurement, digital tagging, and image enhancement. Surgeons benefit from haptic sensing (force feedback) for heightened tissue awareness and alerts if pressure thresholds are reached. Eye-tracking technology allows surgeons to control camera pan and zoom with natural eye movements, providing a 'third hand' for efficient visualization.
3D Reconstruction Quality
The Senhance system provides a 3D high-definition view of the surgical field, requiring specialized 3D glasses for the surgeon. The ISU's expanded capabilities include 3D measurement, enabling precise spatial understanding within the operative field.
Robotic Surgery Integration
As a robotic surgical system, Senhance features independent robotic arms offering flexible placement around the operative table. It utilizes standard laparoscopic trocars and a portfolio of reusable 3mm and 5mm instruments, a unique feature in robotic surgery. The system's open-platform architecture allows compatibility with existing hospital infrastructure, including 3DHD and HD fluorescence vision systems.
Surgical Navigation Accuracy
The system's robotic precision allows for scaled manipulation during delicate tasks. The digital fulcrum feature minimizes torque at the incision site, enhancing precision and potentially reducing tissue trauma. Augmented Intelligence and machine vision capabilities, including 3D measurement and real-time image analytics, contribute to enhanced precision and more predictable procedures.
Pre-Operative Assessment
While not a dedicated pre-operative assessment tool, the system's 3D measurement and digital tagging capabilities, part of the ISU's expanded machine vision, can be applied to pre-operative imaging for enhanced planning. The overall 'Performance-Guided Surgery' framework aims to reduce variability and improve outcomes, which can inform pre-operative strategies.
Complication Prediction
Asensus Surgical's Augmented Intelligence, powered by the ISU, is designed to reduce surgical variability and associated complications by providing real-time insights and automatically identifying anatomical structures and safety hazards during surgery. AI-driven guidance tools are being developed to detect issues like bowel adhesions or bleeding sources, aiding in complication avoidance.
Operating Room Workflow Integration
The system is designed for seamless integration into the OR, featuring an open-platform architecture compatible with existing laparoscopic infrastructure, including 3DHD and HD fluorescence vision systems. The open surgeon console facilitates clear communication with the surgical staff and provides direct line-of-sight to the sterile field. It simplifies arm positioning and instrument exchanges, and the use of standard reusable instruments aligns with existing OR practices.
Physician Tip

Leverage the Senhance system's augmented intelligence for real-time decision support and enhanced situational awareness. Actively utilize the haptic feedback to 'feel' tissue interactions and avoid excessive force. Master the eye-tracking camera control for efficient, hands-free visualization, which can significantly improve workflow and reduce reliance on an assistant for camera positioning. Embrace the ergonomic console design to minimize fatigue during lengthy procedures. Utilize the 3D visualization and measurement capabilities for improved precision, especially in complex anatomical areas. The digital tagging feature can be invaluable for real-time communication of critical structures with the surgical team.

The Senhance Surgical System boasts an open-platform architecture, ensuring compatibility with a hospital's existing laparoscopic infrastructure, including various 3DHD and HD fluorescence vision systems. The Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISU) is designed to integrate with third-party vision systems. Furthermore, Asensus Surgical offers Senhance Connect, a digital collaboration platform for real-time surgical support and mentorship. Asensus is also actively collaborating with technology partners like Nvidia to further enhance its AI capabilities and integrate with advanced computing platforms like Nvidia's Holoscan for optimized real-time data and image processing.

Details

Category Surgical AI
Pricing Estimated range: $1 million - $1.5 million usd
  • Estimated range for the system is between $1 million and $1.5 million USD
  • [25] Contact Asensus Surgical for exact pricing, leasing options, and per-procedure costs, which are designed to be comparable to traditional laparoscopy due to reusable instruments
  • [14, 34, 40]
DeploymentOn-premise robotic system with cloud-based data analytics and augmented intelligence capabilities (Asensus Cloud). [15, 29, 30]
Compliance
BAA Available Yes AI-estimated
HIPAA Compliant Yes AI-estimated
FDA Status Yes AI-estimated

The Senhance Surgical System received initial FDA 510(k) clearance on October 13, 2017, for laparoscopic gynecological and colorectal procedures in adult patients. [4, 18, 22] The TransEnterix Senhance Ultrasonic System (K180163) received FDA clearance on May 25, 2018. [43] Subsequent clearances expanded indications to include general surgery (March 3, 2021) [21, 23] and adult and pediatric urology (July 23, 2024). [15, 24]
Integrations
EHR Not specified
Specialties Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery, Urology

What the Web Says

The TransEnterix Senhance Surgical System is a robotic platform designed to assist surgeons in various laparoscopic procedures, including general, gynecological, urological, and thoracic surgeries. It aims to combine the benefits of minimally invasive surgery with enhanced control and precision. The system has received FDA clearance for several procedures and is noted for its cost-effectiveness compared to other robotic systems due to its use of reusable instruments.

Overall: Mixed

Strengths

  • Maintains laparoscopic surgery standards with digital benefits like haptic feedback and robotic precision.
  • Offers comfortable ergonomics for surgeons, potentially extending careers.
  • Features eye-tracking camera control for enhanced surgical precision.
  • Uses reusable instruments, leading to lower per-procedure costs compared to other robotic systems.
  • Provides 3D high-definition visualization with up to 16-fold magnification.
  • Allows for quick changeover to traditional laparoscopic surgery if needed.

Limitations

  • Lack of wrist articulation in 3mm instruments, which some surgeons consider a major disadvantage.
  • Suturing can be challenging and time-consuming in certain reconstructive surgeries.
  • Initial learning curve can be steep, especially for the haptic feedback system.
  • Operative times and length of stay can be longer compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery, particularly during the learning curve.
  • Some Reddit users express skepticism about its advantages over traditional laparoscopy or other robotic systems.
  • Robotic arm collisions and forces exceeding limits were reported as common intraoperative problems.

Based on reviews from: First Experiences with the New Senhanceu00ae Telerobotic System in Visceral Surgery - PMC, Asensus Surgical's Senhance Surgical System, USA - Medical Device Network, Senhance Experience at Pascack Valley Medical Center Hackensack, NJ, USA - YouTube, Senhance Surgical Robot is Safer and Better than a Da Vinci : r/surgery - Reddit, Initial experiences and troubleshooting of Senhance robotic system: A community hospital perspective - Urological Science, First Experiences with the New Senhanceu00ae Telerobotic System in Visceral Surgery, Early Experience with the Senhance Surgical System in Bariatric Surgery | CSurgeries, Senhanceu00ae Clinical Evidence Compendium - Asensus Surgical, Senhance Robotic Platform in Pediatrics: Early US Experience - PMC, Surgeon Performs First-in-the-Nation Procedures With New Surgical Robot, Senhance Robotic Platform System for Gynecological Surgery - PMC - NIH, TransEnterix Senhance Surgical System | OR Today, u200bSenhanceu00ae is an advanced robotic surgical system developed by Asensus Surgical, Florida Hospital surgeon performs first-in-the-nation procedures with new surgical robot, The Senhance Surgical System in Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review, Senhanceu00ae Surgical System, This Robot May Be Assisting Your Next Surgery | RT - Respiratory Therapy, AdventHealth is first in Florida to use TransEnterix surgical robot for gynecological procedures, AdventHealth surgeon performs 1st-in-the-nation procedures with new surgical robot, SENHANCE ROBOTIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY - PMC, AdventHealth is first in nation to receive innovative surgical robot, Usefulness of Surgical Robots and Future of Industry : r/surgery - Reddit, Asensus Surgical scores general surgery clearance for its Senhance robot | Fierce Biotech

Last updated: 2026-07-21

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Press & Coverage

KARL STORZ
Acquisition of Asensus Surgical by KARL STORZ
KARL STORZ has acquired Asensus Surgical, making Asensus a subsidiary. This merger aims to advance innovative and Performance-Guided Surgeryu2122 solutions, strengthening KARL STORZ's position in the robotic and digital surgical market.
2024-08
StockTitan
Asensus Surgical, Inc. Reports Operating and Financial Results for the Second Quarter 2024
Asensus Surgical reported Q2 2024 revenue of $2.2 million and a net loss of $25.7 million, alongside announcing a definitive merger agreement with KARL STORZ for $0.35 per share.
2024-08
Urology Times
FDA grants 510(k) clearance to Senhance Surgical System in urology
The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance for an expanded indication of the Senhance Surgical System for use in adult and pediatric urologic procedures, making it available to US urologists.
2024-07
MD+DI
Karl Storz Cuts 108 Positions from Asensus Surgical Subsidiary
Karl Storz is cutting 108 positions from Asensus Surgical's manufacturing facility and discontinuing the Senhance Surgical robot platform and Luna robot, as it integrates the acquired company.
2026-06
Langenbecks Archiv fu00fcr Chirurgie (via PMC)
Safety with the senhanceu2122 robotic system in 3,239 patients across various surgical disciplines
A study involving 3,239 patients across gastrointestinal, gynecological, and urological surgeries demonstrated that the Senhanceu2122 Robotic System is safe for both patients and surgeons.
2025-07
GlobalLogic
GlobalLogic and Asensus Surgical (Part of KARL STORZ) Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Next-Generation Robotic Surgery Solutions
GlobalLogic has partnered with Asensus Surgical (now part of KARL STORZ) to develop the LUNAu2122 surgical system and enhance intelligent surgical platforms using advanced AI, computer vision, and machine learning.
2025-10
Journal of Robotic Surgery (via PubMed)
The Senhance Surgical System in Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review
This systematic review found that the Senhance Surgical System has an acceptable safety profile, reasonable operative times, low conversion rates, and affordable case costs for various colorectal surgeries.
2022-09
OR Today
Asensus Surgical Announces FDA Clearance in General Surgery
Asensus Surgical Inc. received FDA clearance for the Senhance Surgical System to expand its indications into general surgery in the United States, significantly broadening its applicability.
2021-03

Videos

Product demos, reviews, and walkthroughs for TransEnterix Senhance Surgical System.

View all on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

The Senhance Surgical System incorporates an Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISU) that utilizes machine vision and augmented intelligence to enhance camera control. It can digitally recognize objects and anatomical locations, respond to voice commands, and use eye-tracking to anticipate a surgeon's visualization needs, automatically adjusting camera focus and zoom. Recent AI features also include 'Digital Tagging' for marking critical structures and 'Smart Zoom,' 'Go To,' 'Follow Me,' and 'Follow Us' for advanced camera maneuvering, which can simplify movements and aid in the teaching process.
The Senhance Surgical System received FDA 510(k) clearance for general laparoscopic surgery in 2017 and has since obtained expanded indications for pediatric, gynecological, and urological procedures. Its Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISU), which provides the AI-driven vision system, also received FDA approval in March 2020. The system is classified as a Class II medical device, and its cybersecurity compliance is addressed.
The Senhance system differentiates itself with features like haptic feedback, eye-tracking camera control, and the use of reusable instruments, which can contribute to cost efficiency. While competitors like the da Vinci system are widely used, studies suggest Senhance may offer advantages such as reduced operative duration and shorter hospital stays for certain procedures like inguinal hernia repair. Other alternatives include Medtronic's Hugo RAS and CMR Surgical's Versius, each with their own unique design and focus.
The estimated cost for a new Senhance Surgical System typically ranges between $1 million and $1.5 million. However, its design, which allows for reusable instrumentation and minimal disposables, aims to keep per-procedure costs comparable to traditional laparoscopic surgery. Used systems may be available at significantly lower prices, such as around $90,250.
The Senhance system has faced some limitations, including a Class I recall in late 2023 due to unintended arm movement requiring a software update, though no patient harm was reported. Some surgeons have noted that its laparoscopic-mimicking controls and initial use of straight instruments were less intuitive than other robotic systems. Furthermore, studies have reported robotic malfunctions in a small percentage of cases, with limited motion and collisions being the most common technical issues.

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Suggest an Edit → | Last Verified: 2026-04-19 | First Added: 2026-04-19
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