Frequently asked questions
Learn more about Sovato
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about Sovato
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about Sovato
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Remote surgery & procedures”?
Remote surgery (“telesurgery”) is the ability for a surgeon to perform a surgery or a procedure on a patient located at a different location.
What is “Remote surgery & procedures”?
Remote surgery (“telesurgery”) is the ability for a surgeon to perform a surgery or a procedure on a patient located at a different location.
What is “Remote surgery & procedures”?
Remote surgery (“telesurgery”) is the ability for a surgeon to perform a surgery or a procedure on a patient located at a different location.
What is the history of remote surgery?
On September 7, 2001, Dr. Jacques Marescaux performed a cholecystectomy on a patient in Strasbourg, France, while in New York City. This procedure, named Operation Lindbergh, was the first true remote surgery to happen. The surgery was made possible by fiber optic technology and Computer Motion’s Zeus robotic system, which Yulun Wang founded. This was the first company to receive FDA clearance for a surgical robot and then merged with Intuitive Surgical in 2003.
What is the history of remote surgery?
On September 7, 2001, Dr. Jacques Marescaux performed a cholecystectomy on a patient in Strasbourg, France, while in New York City. This procedure, named Operation Lindbergh, was the first true remote surgery to happen. The surgery was made possible by fiber optic technology and Computer Motion’s Zeus robotic system, which Yulun Wang founded. This was the first company to receive FDA clearance for a surgical robot and then merged with Intuitive Surgical in 2003.
What is the history of remote surgery?
On September 7, 2001, Dr. Jacques Marescaux performed a cholecystectomy on a patient in Strasbourg, France, while in New York City. This procedure, named Operation Lindbergh, was the first true remote surgery to happen. The surgery was made possible by fiber optic technology and Computer Motion’s Zeus robotic system, which Yulun Wang founded. This was the first company to receive FDA clearance for a surgical robot and then merged with Intuitive Surgical in 2003.
Is Sovato engaged with the FDA?
Sovato is actively engaged with the FDA. While the Sovato Platform is not independently subject to regulation, the functionality that remote-enables robotic systems remains classified as a medical device accessory and will be reviewed under robotic system's pre-market submission.
Is Sovato engaged with the FDA?
Sovato is actively engaged with the FDA. While the Sovato Platform is not independently subject to regulation, the functionality that remote-enables robotic systems remains classified as a medical device accessory and will be reviewed under robotic system's pre-market submission.
Is Sovato engaged with the FDA?
Sovato is actively engaged with the FDA. While the Sovato Platform is not independently subject to regulation, the functionality that remote-enables robotic systems remains classified as a medical device accessory and will be reviewed under robotic system's pre-market submission.
Will Sovato operate internationally and/or have partnerships internationally?
Sovato is a global company, and our platform will enable safe, scalable, and sustainable remote surgery and procedures programs around the world.
Will Sovato operate internationally and/or have partnerships internationally?
Sovato is a global company, and our platform will enable safe, scalable, and sustainable remote surgery and procedures programs around the world.
Will Sovato operate internationally and/or have partnerships internationally?
Sovato is a global company, and our platform will enable safe, scalable, and sustainable remote surgery and procedures programs around the world.
What problem is remote surgery solving in the US and globally?
Surgical deserts are a well-documented global issue in developed and underdeveloped countries. Over one-third of the world's population lives in regions without a sufficient surgical workforce.1 Across the United States, more than a third of counties do not have access to a single surgeon2, which will further compound by a projected shortage of 15,800-30,200 surgeons across all specialties by 2034.3 As a result, many patients are left with limited access and narrow choices for needed surgical care. Remote surgery promises to create unparalleled and broad access to the right surgeon and the highest quality surgical care.
What problem is remote surgery solving in the US and globally?
Surgical deserts are a well-documented global issue in developed and underdeveloped countries. Over one-third of the world's population lives in regions without a sufficient surgical workforce.1 Across the United States, more than a third of counties do not have access to a single surgeon2, which will further compound by a projected shortage of 15,800-30,200 surgeons across all specialties by 2034.3 As a result, many patients are left with limited access and narrow choices for needed surgical care. Remote surgery promises to create unparalleled and broad access to the right surgeon and the highest quality surgical care.
What problem is remote surgery solving in the US and globally?
Surgical deserts are a well-documented global issue in developed and underdeveloped countries. Over one-third of the world's population lives in regions without a sufficient surgical workforce.1 Across the United States, more than a third of counties do not have access to a single surgeon2, which will further compound by a projected shortage of 15,800-30,200 surgeons across all specialties by 2034.3 As a result, many patients are left with limited access and narrow choices for needed surgical care. Remote surgery promises to create unparalleled and broad access to the right surgeon and the highest quality surgical care.
How is remote surgery different from telementoring?
In a remote surgery, the surgeon will have complete control and manipulation of the surgical robot. Telementoring only allows others to view the live surgery. The biggest benefit of telementoring is surgical training. Remote surgery takes surgical training to the next level by giving novice surgeons hands-on experience with more complex procedures while ensuring the skilled surgeon can take over and perform the surgery remotely if needed––or vice versa. This offers the ability to provide hands-on training and supports the rapid advancement of surgical skills through a remote co-surgery model.
How is remote surgery different from telementoring?
In a remote surgery, the surgeon will have complete control and manipulation of the surgical robot. Telementoring only allows others to view the live surgery. The biggest benefit of telementoring is surgical training. Remote surgery takes surgical training to the next level by giving novice surgeons hands-on experience with more complex procedures while ensuring the skilled surgeon can take over and perform the surgery remotely if needed––or vice versa. This offers the ability to provide hands-on training and supports the rapid advancement of surgical skills through a remote co-surgery model.
How is remote surgery different from telementoring?
In a remote surgery, the surgeon will have complete control and manipulation of the surgical robot. Telementoring only allows others to view the live surgery. The biggest benefit of telementoring is surgical training. Remote surgery takes surgical training to the next level by giving novice surgeons hands-on experience with more complex procedures while ensuring the skilled surgeon can take over and perform the surgery remotely if needed––or vice versa. This offers the ability to provide hands-on training and supports the rapid advancement of surgical skills through a remote co-surgery model.
What RAS companies are doing remote surgery today?
Currently, as of Sept. 2024, there is no commercial company that is actively selling a fully remote-enabled robotic system. In 2024, there was a significant jump in RAS companies performing first-in-human trials, yet none of these systems are CE marked or FDA cleared. These trials were predominantly based in India and China.
What RAS companies are doing remote surgery today?
Currently, as of Sept. 2024, there is no commercial company that is actively selling a fully remote-enabled robotic system. In 2024, there was a significant jump in RAS companies performing first-in-human trials, yet none of these systems are CE marked or FDA cleared. These trials were predominantly based in India and China.
What RAS companies are doing remote surgery today?
Currently, as of Sept. 2024, there is no commercial company that is actively selling a fully remote-enabled robotic system. In 2024, there was a significant jump in RAS companies performing first-in-human trials, yet none of these systems are CE marked or FDA cleared. These trials were predominantly based in India and China.
What value does remote surgery create for patients?
For patients, remote surgery creates access to the right – the highest quality – surgeon and the right care close to home, decreasing the need for travel or delayed care.
What value does remote surgery create for patients?
For patients, remote surgery creates access to the right – the highest quality – surgeon and the right care close to home, decreasing the need for travel or delayed care.
What value does remote surgery create for patients?
For patients, remote surgery creates access to the right – the highest quality – surgeon and the right care close to home, decreasing the need for travel or delayed care.
What value does remote surgery create for health systems?
For health systems, growing centers of excellence and shoring up surgical volume requires overcoming a shortage of surgical capacity, expertise, and geographic constraints. Remote surgery optimizes two of the most highly valuable resources for the provider––highly skilled surgeons and care teams and equipped and staffed operating rooms. For health systems, this delivers a highly compelling growth strategy and a novel solution to optimize clinical capacity.
What value does remote surgery create for health systems?
For health systems, growing centers of excellence and shoring up surgical volume requires overcoming a shortage of surgical capacity, expertise, and geographic constraints. Remote surgery optimizes two of the most highly valuable resources for the provider––highly skilled surgeons and care teams and equipped and staffed operating rooms. For health systems, this delivers a highly compelling growth strategy and a novel solution to optimize clinical capacity.
What value does remote surgery create for health systems?
For health systems, growing centers of excellence and shoring up surgical volume requires overcoming a shortage of surgical capacity, expertise, and geographic constraints. Remote surgery optimizes two of the most highly valuable resources for the provider––highly skilled surgeons and care teams and equipped and staffed operating rooms. For health systems, this delivers a highly compelling growth strategy and a novel solution to optimize clinical capacity.
What type of data will Sovato capture and how will this data be used?
Sovato will be uniquely positioned to capture comprehensive data across the entire surgical journey, creating a rich longitudinal dataset that extends beyond the surgical event itself. By implementing a multi-camera, sensor, and data collection approach, we'll capture: - Surgical Environment Data - Procedural Data - Clinical Outcome Data - Workflow & Efficiency Data. This comprehensive data collection approach differs significantly from traditional surgical robot systems, which typically only capture data during the actual surgical procedure. Our longitudinal dataset will provide valuable insights and enable data-driven improvements in surgical care delivery, team performance, and patient outcomes.
What type of data will Sovato capture and how will this data be used?
Sovato will be uniquely positioned to capture comprehensive data across the entire surgical journey, creating a rich longitudinal dataset that extends beyond the surgical event itself. By implementing a multi-camera, sensor, and data collection approach, we'll capture: - Surgical Environment Data - Procedural Data - Clinical Outcome Data - Workflow & Efficiency Data. This comprehensive data collection approach differs significantly from traditional surgical robot systems, which typically only capture data during the actual surgical procedure. Our longitudinal dataset will provide valuable insights and enable data-driven improvements in surgical care delivery, team performance, and patient outcomes.
What type of data will Sovato capture and how will this data be used?
Sovato will be uniquely positioned to capture comprehensive data across the entire surgical journey, creating a rich longitudinal dataset that extends beyond the surgical event itself. By implementing a multi-camera, sensor, and data collection approach, we'll capture: - Surgical Environment Data - Procedural Data - Clinical Outcome Data - Workflow & Efficiency Data. This comprehensive data collection approach differs significantly from traditional surgical robot systems, which typically only capture data during the actual surgical procedure. Our longitudinal dataset will provide valuable insights and enable data-driven improvements in surgical care delivery, team performance, and patient outcomes.
How does Sovato incorporate AI?
We believe remote programs will significantly advance the science of surgery – AI is a big component of this. Sovato will prioritize incorporating AI into the platform where it aids patient care, advances ease of use and adoption, and supports deeper program insights.
How does Sovato incorporate AI?
We believe remote programs will significantly advance the science of surgery – AI is a big component of this. Sovato will prioritize incorporating AI into the platform where it aids patient care, advances ease of use and adoption, and supports deeper program insights.
How does Sovato incorporate AI?
We believe remote programs will significantly advance the science of surgery – AI is a big component of this. Sovato will prioritize incorporating AI into the platform where it aids patient care, advances ease of use and adoption, and supports deeper program insights.
CLINICAL & WORKFLOW
Who is in the room with the patient during the procedure?
Remote surgery will require new standards, roles and responsibilities to address the off-site location of the primary surgeon. The onsite surgical team will be similar to the configuration today, which includes a circulating nurse, scrub technician, first assist and anesthesia team.
Who is in the room with the patient during the procedure?
Remote surgery will require new standards, roles and responsibilities to address the off-site location of the primary surgeon. The onsite surgical team will be similar to the configuration today, which includes a circulating nurse, scrub technician, first assist and anesthesia team.
Who is in the room with the patient during the procedure?
Remote surgery will require new standards, roles and responsibilities to address the off-site location of the primary surgeon. The onsite surgical team will be similar to the configuration today, which includes a circulating nurse, scrub technician, first assist and anesthesia team.
What if something happens during surgery (i.e., connection lost or patient bleeding)?
Establishing clear contingency plans and protocols is paramount to the safety of remote surgery. Any care team members involved in a remote surgery will receive thorough training. An on-site licensed backup surgeon or physician assistant with expertise to care for the patient will be available if the patient's status necessitates a conversion to open surgery. Sovato is collaborating with our health system partners to establish remote surgery best practices, develop protocols and set standards for widespread integration within established operating suites.
What if something happens during surgery (i.e., connection lost or patient bleeding)?
Establishing clear contingency plans and protocols is paramount to the safety of remote surgery. Any care team members involved in a remote surgery will receive thorough training. An on-site licensed backup surgeon or physician assistant with expertise to care for the patient will be available if the patient's status necessitates a conversion to open surgery. Sovato is collaborating with our health system partners to establish remote surgery best practices, develop protocols and set standards for widespread integration within established operating suites.
What if something happens during surgery (i.e., connection lost or patient bleeding)?
Establishing clear contingency plans and protocols is paramount to the safety of remote surgery. Any care team members involved in a remote surgery will receive thorough training. An on-site licensed backup surgeon or physician assistant with expertise to care for the patient will be available if the patient's status necessitates a conversion to open surgery. Sovato is collaborating with our health system partners to establish remote surgery best practices, develop protocols and set standards for widespread integration within established operating suites.
How will reimbursement and surgeon compensation work?
We are actively exploring this further with our clinical partners. Yet, we hold firm that remote surgery cannot – and will not – increase the cost of care.
How will reimbursement and surgeon compensation work?
We are actively exploring this further with our clinical partners. Yet, we hold firm that remote surgery cannot – and will not – increase the cost of care.
How will reimbursement and surgeon compensation work?
We are actively exploring this further with our clinical partners. Yet, we hold firm that remote surgery cannot – and will not – increase the cost of care.
Do you anticipate remote surgery will be more expensive than in-person surgery?
No, we firmly believe that remote surgery needs to remain accessible, meaning it cannot increase the cost of surgery. We are working on sustainable business models with several partner healthcare organizations.
Do you anticipate remote surgery will be more expensive than in-person surgery?
No, we firmly believe that remote surgery needs to remain accessible, meaning it cannot increase the cost of surgery. We are working on sustainable business models with several partner healthcare organizations.
Do you anticipate remote surgery will be more expensive than in-person surgery?
No, we firmly believe that remote surgery needs to remain accessible, meaning it cannot increase the cost of surgery. We are working on sustainable business models with several partner healthcare organizations.
Q: How will licensure work in this new model of care?
Telehealth has paved the way for remote surgery and procedures in many ways, and we anticipate being able to leverage the policies and processes established already. We are actively working with our clinical partners to create a comprehensive understanding and solution for licensing.
Q: How will licensure work in this new model of care?
Telehealth has paved the way for remote surgery and procedures in many ways, and we anticipate being able to leverage the policies and processes established already. We are actively working with our clinical partners to create a comprehensive understanding and solution for licensing.
Q: How will licensure work in this new model of care?
Telehealth has paved the way for remote surgery and procedures in many ways, and we anticipate being able to leverage the policies and processes established already. We are actively working with our clinical partners to create a comprehensive understanding and solution for licensing.
What value does Sovato provide to surgeons?
The roles and responsibilities of every care team member, including the surgeon, change in the context of remote surgery. As the remote surgeon, every interaction with your patient is done remotely––including the surgery. To efficiently manage your remote patients’ care journey, you need a single system––a command center––that brings together the people, systems, tools, and data to orchestrate and perform surgery at a distance and scale. For the day of surgery, Sovato’s Orchestration Application restores what is altered by the nature of being remote, restoring a full sense of situational awareness for both the surgeon and care team.
What value does Sovato provide to surgeons?
The roles and responsibilities of every care team member, including the surgeon, change in the context of remote surgery. As the remote surgeon, every interaction with your patient is done remotely––including the surgery. To efficiently manage your remote patients’ care journey, you need a single system––a command center––that brings together the people, systems, tools, and data to orchestrate and perform surgery at a distance and scale. For the day of surgery, Sovato’s Orchestration Application restores what is altered by the nature of being remote, restoring a full sense of situational awareness for both the surgeon and care team.
What value does Sovato provide to surgeons?
The roles and responsibilities of every care team member, including the surgeon, change in the context of remote surgery. As the remote surgeon, every interaction with your patient is done remotely––including the surgery. To efficiently manage your remote patients’ care journey, you need a single system––a command center––that brings together the people, systems, tools, and data to orchestrate and perform surgery at a distance and scale. For the day of surgery, Sovato’s Orchestration Application restores what is altered by the nature of being remote, restoring a full sense of situational awareness for both the surgeon and care team.
SOVATO NETWORK
Why does Sovato believe fiber is best approach?
Hospitals are fixed assets with a substantial investment in physical facilities. The vast majority of medical locations have existing telecommunication fiber already installed. Fiber is not susceptible to RF interference, weather, or other phenomena that can degrade service. Dedicated fiber provides a guaranteed data path and the lowest amount of latency between two points. This equates to approximately 1 to 400 gigs of data capacity, depending on the equipment or optics used.
Why does Sovato believe fiber is best approach?
Hospitals are fixed assets with a substantial investment in physical facilities. The vast majority of medical locations have existing telecommunication fiber already installed. Fiber is not susceptible to RF interference, weather, or other phenomena that can degrade service. Dedicated fiber provides a guaranteed data path and the lowest amount of latency between two points. This equates to approximately 1 to 400 gigs of data capacity, depending on the equipment or optics used.
Why does Sovato believe fiber is best approach?
Hospitals are fixed assets with a substantial investment in physical facilities. The vast majority of medical locations have existing telecommunication fiber already installed. Fiber is not susceptible to RF interference, weather, or other phenomena that can degrade service. Dedicated fiber provides a guaranteed data path and the lowest amount of latency between two points. This equates to approximately 1 to 400 gigs of data capacity, depending on the equipment or optics used.
How expansion is fiber in the US?
Fiber is widely available throughout the United States. Hospitals predominantly exist in populated areas that are going to have existing telecommunication infrastructure. With the US push for universal broadband access, fiber is only becoming more ubiquitous. Sovato conducted a market analysis that showed that more than 95% of hospitals in the US have known access to fiber. We don’t have readily available data on the remaining 5% as not all smaller regional telcos disclose where their fiber is located and the addresses they serve. Provided that data, we expect that many more hospitals would already have fiber. We also expect that if the hospital does not already have fiber, that the nearest provider would be substantially closer to the hospitals than the data suggests.
How expansion is fiber in the US?
Fiber is widely available throughout the United States. Hospitals predominantly exist in populated areas that are going to have existing telecommunication infrastructure. With the US push for universal broadband access, fiber is only becoming more ubiquitous. Sovato conducted a market analysis that showed that more than 95% of hospitals in the US have known access to fiber. We don’t have readily available data on the remaining 5% as not all smaller regional telcos disclose where their fiber is located and the addresses they serve. Provided that data, we expect that many more hospitals would already have fiber. We also expect that if the hospital does not already have fiber, that the nearest provider would be substantially closer to the hospitals than the data suggests.
How expansion is fiber in the US?
Fiber is widely available throughout the United States. Hospitals predominantly exist in populated areas that are going to have existing telecommunication infrastructure. With the US push for universal broadband access, fiber is only becoming more ubiquitous. Sovato conducted a market analysis that showed that more than 95% of hospitals in the US have known access to fiber. We don’t have readily available data on the remaining 5% as not all smaller regional telcos disclose where their fiber is located and the addresses they serve. Provided that data, we expect that many more hospitals would already have fiber. We also expect that if the hospital does not already have fiber, that the nearest provider would be substantially closer to the hospitals than the data suggests.
Does fiber support international remote surgery opportunity in the same way it does US?
5G may be easier to get in underdeveloped countries with limited installed telecommunication infrastructure but the variability of network performance will likely be an issue. Any long-distance or international deployments will always use fiber for long transit distances.
Does fiber support international remote surgery opportunity in the same way it does US?
5G may be easier to get in underdeveloped countries with limited installed telecommunication infrastructure but the variability of network performance will likely be an issue. Any long-distance or international deployments will always use fiber for long transit distances.
Does fiber support international remote surgery opportunity in the same way it does US?
5G may be easier to get in underdeveloped countries with limited installed telecommunication infrastructure but the variability of network performance will likely be an issue. Any long-distance or international deployments will always use fiber for long transit distances.
When (if at all) is 5G applicable?
5G or Starlink would be useful for mobile or temporary deployments of medical resources, perhaps in a rapid deployment disaster zone-type situation.
When (if at all) is 5G applicable?
5G or Starlink would be useful for mobile or temporary deployments of medical resources, perhaps in a rapid deployment disaster zone-type situation.
When (if at all) is 5G applicable?
5G or Starlink would be useful for mobile or temporary deployments of medical resources, perhaps in a rapid deployment disaster zone-type situation.
What are 5G advocates are not considering?
Fixed locations will always be better served with onsite fiber/ethernet connectivity. Given the limited mobility needs of surgical robots and consoles, using a technology that’s been designed for connectivity over large geographic distances or large dense public event situations doesn’t make sense. One significant issue is the in-building penetration of 5G signals, which is limited in the mid and upper 5G bands with the greatest bandwidth, connection speeds, and lowest latency. Using lower band 5G has great in-building penetration but the least capacity. Two hospitals 100 miles apart using 5G would only have the “last mile” be 5G with the longer distance traversed via telco fiber. Also, 5G cell towers all rely on fiber for connectivity to telcos terrestrial networks. Without widespread fiber, true 5G can’t exist.
What are 5G advocates are not considering?
Fixed locations will always be better served with onsite fiber/ethernet connectivity. Given the limited mobility needs of surgical robots and consoles, using a technology that’s been designed for connectivity over large geographic distances or large dense public event situations doesn’t make sense. One significant issue is the in-building penetration of 5G signals, which is limited in the mid and upper 5G bands with the greatest bandwidth, connection speeds, and lowest latency. Using lower band 5G has great in-building penetration but the least capacity. Two hospitals 100 miles apart using 5G would only have the “last mile” be 5G with the longer distance traversed via telco fiber. Also, 5G cell towers all rely on fiber for connectivity to telcos terrestrial networks. Without widespread fiber, true 5G can’t exist.
What are 5G advocates are not considering?
Fixed locations will always be better served with onsite fiber/ethernet connectivity. Given the limited mobility needs of surgical robots and consoles, using a technology that’s been designed for connectivity over large geographic distances or large dense public event situations doesn’t make sense. One significant issue is the in-building penetration of 5G signals, which is limited in the mid and upper 5G bands with the greatest bandwidth, connection speeds, and lowest latency. Using lower band 5G has great in-building penetration but the least capacity. Two hospitals 100 miles apart using 5G would only have the “last mile” be 5G with the longer distance traversed via telco fiber. Also, 5G cell towers all rely on fiber for connectivity to telcos terrestrial networks. Without widespread fiber, true 5G can’t exist.
What is Sovato doing about cybersecurity?
Sovato is following a Secure Product Development Framework (SPDF), as defined by the FDA. The scope of our SPDF includes Security Architecture, Threat Modeling, security analysis of all Third-Party Software Components, and Cybersecurity Testing (including static analysis of code, vulnerability scanning, and Penetration Testing). Each product component - (the Sovato Network, Sovato Platform, the Sovato Adapters) - follow the best practices and highest level of cybersecurity policies and implementation.
What is Sovato doing about cybersecurity?
Sovato is following a Secure Product Development Framework (SPDF), as defined by the FDA. The scope of our SPDF includes Security Architecture, Threat Modeling, security analysis of all Third-Party Software Components, and Cybersecurity Testing (including static analysis of code, vulnerability scanning, and Penetration Testing). Each product component - (the Sovato Network, Sovato Platform, the Sovato Adapters) - follow the best practices and highest level of cybersecurity policies and implementation.
What is Sovato doing about cybersecurity?
Sovato is following a Secure Product Development Framework (SPDF), as defined by the FDA. The scope of our SPDF includes Security Architecture, Threat Modeling, security analysis of all Third-Party Software Components, and Cybersecurity Testing (including static analysis of code, vulnerability scanning, and Penetration Testing). Each product component - (the Sovato Network, Sovato Platform, the Sovato Adapters) - follow the best practices and highest level of cybersecurity policies and implementation.
