up next Shane Farritor
Shane Farritor
virtual incision
How a UNL Medtech Startup is Transforming Abdominal Surgery
By Jackie Ostrowicki
March 2022
More than 400,000 Americans need colon resection procedures each year to treat lower gastrointestinal diseases such as diverticulitis, colon polyps, pre-cancerous and cancerous colon lesions and inflammatory bowel disease. Right now, the most common approach to colorectal procedures is open surgery—which requires a large incision, a lengthy hospital stay and several weeks of recovery, as well as a high risk of infection and other complications.鈥
All that could change with , a medical device company cofounded by 金算盘免费资料大全–Lincoln engineering professor Shane Farritor. He is working to transform abdominal surgeries with a miniaturized, first-of-its-kind surgical robot, MIRA.
Surgical Robots: The Wave of the Future
Farritor, an engineer and inventor, has received significant funding from NASA and the Army to do research on robotic surgery. He’s been building surgical robots ever since. When a clear clinical application for his research was seen a decade ago, Farritor received several rounds of investment to keep pushing it forward—including the most recent investment of $46 million in November of 2021.
![The FDA has greenlighted a clinical study of Virtual Incision鈥檚 surgical platform to be carried out at a limited number of U.S. hospitals鈥攁 crucial step toward FDA approval.](/-/media/projects/unca/images/nuforne/healthcare/2021/unl-inset.jpg)
, which helped the Virtual Incision team implement changes and paved the way for their latest milestone. The Food and Drug Administration greenlighted a clinical study of the robotic platform, which will be carried out at a limited number of U.S. hospitals—including Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Neb., where the robotic assistant was used in its first human surgery in early 2021. Successful completion of the trial is a critical step toward FDA approval of the device, after which hospitals could begin using it widely.
MIRA, which stands for “miniaturized in vivo robotic assistant,” weighs only 2 pounds and can easily be moved from surgical room to surgical room in a hospital, maximizing surgical space and increasing the number of surgeries that can be performed. It can perform minimally invasive procedures—with a patient recovery time of days rather than months.
Lowering Costs and Improving Outcomes
Other companies have also developed surgical robots, but their devices are large and expensive—some costing up to two million dollars. They are used from the outside of the body and come with limitations. MIRA is a new class of device, as it is inserted into the body. Its small size makes it more accessible and cost-effective for hospitals, which would allow more patients to benefit.
“Demand for robotically-assisted surgery is increasing; it leads to improved patient outcomes and lower costs,” said Farritor. “We’re excited to start our clinical study and bring the platform one step closer to helping patients who are facing abdominal surgery.”
“The specific device we’re testing is for colon resections, so there’s plenty of room to grow. We envision different robots for different procedures—a robot for hernia, one for gallbladders. There are many opportunities for new product lines.”
Farritor has a big vision for Virtual Incision. “The specific device we are testing is for colon resections, so there’s plenty of room to grow. We envision different robots for different procedures—a robot for hernia, one for gallbladders. There are many opportunities for new product lines as the company develops. I consider it developing the right surgical devices for the right job, versus a one-size-fits all approach.”
Thinking Outside the Box
When it comes to inventing, Farritor is right at home. He is a and a maker at heart. Farritor’s portfolio spans new research (adding artificial intelligence to robotic surgery) to enabling non-classroom experience for students (he has placed interns at NASA, where he previously worked). It also includes institutional planning—he was involved in N2025, UNL’s latest strategic plan, as a co-chair.
He also chairs the board of advisors for Nebraska Innovation Studio, a membership-based maker space on UNL’s Nebraska Innovation Campus. Virtual Incision uses the Innovation Studio to prototype and build fixtures that support their robotic development, and Farritor is teaching a class in the studio this semester, ‘Building through Innovation.’ “You need to build things to solve problems; get your hands involved,” he said.
How does that philosophy lead to innovations such as surgical robots? “Making things pushes you to experiment. You know how people say measure twice, cut once? That’s terrible advice,” Farritor said. "I say don’t measure and cut twice. Boards are cheap; cut a few. Push your thinking and make your own path.”
Discover our Podcast Series
The 鈥淟eading Nebraska鈥 podcast shares the stories of the researchers, students, teachers and others across the University of Nebraska's four campuses who are making an impact. From teachers and doctors to engineers and ag experts, these Nebraska leaders are touching lives and making a difference.
Sorry, no stories match your filters.
Please adjust your filters above to view more stories.
Find Your Nebraska State Senator
Get started by entering your address below. Next, you'll receive information on who your senator is鈥攁nd how to reach him or her.
Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be sure to cover these essential points:
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your name.
- Be clear that you're calling about your support for the 金算盘免费资料大全 System.
- Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the 金算盘免费资料大全. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking the senator or legislative aide for their time.
Send an Email
Sending a written message to your state senator is an easy way to engage your representative. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief (a paragraph or so).
- Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the senator know your topic鈥 "Investing in the 金算盘免费资料大全 System" or "Supporting the 金算盘免费资料大全 System"
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide your name.
- Be clear that you're writing about your support for the 金算盘免费资料大全 System
- Share your personal story about how the University has impacted you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the 金算盘免费资料大全. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask if your senator will support the University moving forward.
- Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator for their time.
You Just Made a Difference
Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll receive communications about important issues and legislative bills concerning the 金算盘免费资料大全鈥攁nd you'll be the first to hear about upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.
COOKIE USAGE:
The 金算盘免费资料大全 System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.