International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA), founded by robotic surgery pioneer Professor Tony Costello, has raised $5.6M, primarily from VC firm Trefor Capital. The funds will boost the production of synthetic organs and torsos used for surgical training simulations.
IMRA, which started as a non-profit to train doctors on surgical robots, also creates and exports realistic synthetic organs. The realistic models enable surgeons to practice complex procedures risk-free. Matt Gray, Chief Training Pilot for Qantas, is assisting in designing the company's curriculum, which includes VR training for complex robotic surgical procedures.
The company also incorporates Hollywood techniques in its synthetic organ production. IMRA's reusable torso costs about $20,000, with individual organs priced between $200 and $500, disrupting the current methods using cadavers ($10,000) or humanely euthanised pigs ($7,000).
IMRA has endorsement from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Expanding into Europe and America is next on the chopping block (excuse the pun). According to Costello, there is a 17% complication rate for major surgery, a number he is keen to bring down.
Due Diligence: AFR
