TORSS Transoral Robotic Surgery System

TORSS (Transoral Robotic Surgery System) represents China’s first domestically developed flexible robotic platform for transoral head and neck surgery. The system achieved a global milestone in October 2024 by performing the world’s first robotic glottic tumor resection at Fudan University’s Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital.

Product Overview

Developed to address the technical challenges of minimally invasive head and neck surgery, TORSS features a flexible architecture that navigates the narrow anatomical spaces of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Traditional surgical approaches to this region often require destructive resections affecting speech and swallowing function. TORSS enables precise tumor removal while preserving surrounding tissue.

The system resulted from collaboration between Borns Medical and Fudan University’s ENT department, combining robotics engineering with clinical expertise in head and neck oncology. Dr. Yao Li, Borns Medical founder, holds an adjunct professorship at Fudan’s Eye & ENT Hospital.

Key Features

Deployed in October 2024 for the world’s first robotic glottic tumor resection, Borns Medical’s TORSS uses flexible articulating instruments and AI-powered control for transoral access to pharyngeal and laryngeal targets.

• Flexible Instrument Design: Articulating surgical tools navigate curved anatomical pathways to reach pharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal targets
• High-Resolution Visualization: Advanced imaging provides enhanced depth perception and panoramic views in confined spaces
• AI-Powered Control: Machine learning algorithms assist with instrument positioning and surgical planning
• Remote Surgery Capability: Validated for telesurgery across intercontinental distances
• Minimally Invasive Approach: Accesses tumors through natural orifice without external incisions
• Precision Manipulation: Enables delicate tissue handling in areas critical for speech and swallowing

Clinical Applications

TORSS targets head and neck malignancies and benign conditions accessible through the transoral route:

First Clinical Application (October 29, 2024): A 53-year-old patient with recurrent laryngeal cancer underwent robotic glottic tumor resection at Fudan University’s Eye & ENT Hospital. The patient had previously received partial laryngectomy, neck dissection, and postoperative radiotherapy. Follow-up detected new vocal cord lesions.

Surgical outcomes:

• Blood loss: Less than 1 milliliter
• Hospital course: Patient resumed normal activities the following day
• Approach: Complete tumor resection with function preservation

Remote Surgery Milestone (February 2025): TORSS completed the world’s first AI-powered remote non-invasive head and neck surgery across 5,000 kilometers, demonstrating telesurgery potential for underserved regions.

Target Indications:

• Glottic tumors
• Laryngeal cancer (early stage and recurrent)
• Oropharyngeal lesions
• Hypopharyngeal tumors

Technology Innovation

TORSS addresses long-standing engineering challenges in transoral robotics:

Anatomical Access: The oral cavity and throat present curved pathways with limited working space. TORSS instruments achieve the flexibility and control required for precise movements in these constraints.

Visualization Challenges: Narrow operative fields demand specialized imaging. The system provides high-resolution visualization with depth perception enabling confident surgical maneuvers.

AI Integration: The platform incorporates artificial intelligence for surgical assistance, with the February 2025 remote surgery demonstrating AI-powered control over long distances.

Regulatory Status

Borns Medical plans global clinical research, education, and health economics studies across the United States, China, India, and European Union.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can TORSS treat?

TORSS is designed for head and neck tumors accessible through the mouth, including glottic tumors, early-stage and recurrent laryngeal cancer, and lesions of the oropharynx and hypopharynx. The system enables tumor removal while preserving speech and swallowing function.

What makes TORSS different from other transoral surgery approaches?

TORSS combines flexible robotics with AI-powered control, enabling navigation through curved anatomical pathways with precision not achievable through conventional instruments. The October 2024 first-in-human surgery demonstrated blood loss under 1 milliliter with next-day patient recovery.

Can TORSS perform remote surgery?

Yes. In February 2025, TORSS completed the world’s first AI-powered remote non-invasive surgery across 5,000 kilometers, demonstrating capability for telesurgery applications.