KB Medical
Robotic system for assisting surgeons during the spinal surgery.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor | €0.0 | round |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| N/A | €0.0 | round | |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
* | N/A | Acquisition | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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KB Medical SA was a Swiss medical technology company established in 2012 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne (EPFL). The firm focused on developing and commercializing robotic systems for surgical applications. Its primary product was the AQrate Robotic Assistance System, a platform designed to increase the precision of surgeons in spinal procedures. This system was engineered to support minimally invasive surgeries, integrating with existing operating room imaging, navigation, and instruments to guide surgeons. Key features included haptic steering and a six-axis force sensor, providing tactile feedback and stable guidance for placing spinal implants.
The company's business model centered on the sale of this capital equipment to hospitals and surgical centers, supplemented by service contracts and disposable components for each procedure. KB Medical's objective was to enhance surgical accuracy, reduce surgery times, and improve safety for both patients and medical staff by minimizing radiation exposure. The AQrate system received CE certification in June 2016 after successfully completing a clinical trial involving 24 patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. The first surgery using the system occurred in October 2015 for a lumbar fusion procedure.
In the second quarter of 2017, Globus Medical, a U.S.-based musculoskeletal solutions manufacturer, acquired KB Medical. The acquisition was a strategic move for Globus Medical to bolster its own portfolio in imaging, navigation, and robotics, particularly to enhance its ExcelsiusGPS robotic guidance system. Globus valued KB Medical's experienced development team and its strong intellectual property portfolio. Following the acquisition, KB Medical was integrated into Globus Medical's operations, and its technology was incorporated into Globus's ongoing robotics development rather than being commercialized as a standalone product.
Keywords: KB Medical, Globus Medical, AQrate Robotic Assistance System, spinal surgery robot, surgical robotics, medical devices, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, haptic feedback, surgical navigation, spinal fusion, EPFL spin-off, medtech, robotic-assisted surgery, musculoskeletal solutions, ExcelsiusGPS, surgical instruments, medical robotics acquisition, spine technology