MST

MST (Medical Surgical Technologies), founded in 2005 by Ziv Tamir and Moti Sholev, operated as an Israeli medical technology company focused on advancing minimally invasive surgery. The founders brought extensive experience in the medical device sector to the venture. The company's primary business was the development and sale of a software-based image analytics platform for the medical robotics and computer-assisted surgery (MRCAS) market. Its clients were hospitals and surgical centers performing laparoscopic procedures. MST's business model revolved around selling its flagship product, the AutoLap™ system, and establishing distribution partnerships, such as an exclusive agreement with Haisco Pharmaceutical Group for the Chinese market.

MST's core technology was a platform utilizing advanced visualization, scene recognition, AI, and machine learning to analyze the surgical field in real-time. This platform powered the AutoLap™, a robotic, image-guided laparoscope positioning system. The system was designed to give the surgeon direct, natural control over the camera's field of view, a task typically handled by a surgical assistant. Key features included a "Follow Me" mode that automatically tracked the surgeon's instruments, a wireless control ring with a joystick for manual adjustments, and safety alerts to prevent collisions with tissue. The AutoLap™ system was compatible with standard operating room equipment, aiming to improve workflow efficiency, provide a stable image, and reduce crowding around the operating table.

The company successfully raised capital to fund its operations and expansion, including a $12.5 million Series C round in July 2015, which was earmarked for marketing and sales efforts in the U.S., Europe, and China. Over its lifetime as an independent entity, MST raised a total of $25.34 million. A significant milestone was achieved in September 2018 when TransEnterix, Inc. (now Asensus Surgical) acquired substantially all of MST's assets for approximately $32 million in a cash and stock transaction. This acquisition included MST's technology, intellectual property, and its experienced R&D team, which was transitioned into a new subsidiary, TransEnterix Israel, Ltd., establishing an R&D center for the parent company in Israel.

Keywords: medical robotics, surgical analytics, computer-assisted surgery, laparoscope positioning, image-guided surgery, AutoLap, minimally invasive surgery, surgical visualization, scene recognition, surgical workflow, medical image analysis, Moti Sholev, Ziv Tamir, TransEnterix, Asensus Surgical, surgical robotics system, robotic surgery, digital laparoscopy, operating rooms, gynecology, urology