M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center Among the First in the World to Use Robotic Guidance System for Advanced Kidney Stone Surgery

Minneapolis, Minnesota – M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC) has announced that it is among the first institutions in the world to integrate handheld robotic technology into its endourology program. This milestone reinforces the hospital’s longstanding commitment to innovation and its leadership in treating complex urologic conditions. 

Kidney stones affect nearly one in ten people during their lifetime and are among the most common—and painful—conditions in urology. For patients with large or complex stones, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is often the preferred treatment. The procedure begins with the technically demanding step of percutaneous access—placing a needle into the kidney with precision. This step is critical to success but can be difficult to perform consistently. 

The Focalist handheld robotic guidance system combines real-time ultrasound guidance with handheld robotics to enable more precise and reproducible percutaneous access. For patients, this translates into safer, more effective kidney stone surgery and better access to advanced minimally invasive care. 

Dr. Deepak Agarwal, Assistant Professor in the University of Minnesota Department of Urology who practices at M Health Fairview, recently became the second surgeon in the world to use this device in a clinical setting. “The interface is easy to use and intuitive,” he said. “It gives me greater flexibility with targeting and tract trajectory compared to our current workflow using a fixed needle guide. I was able to achieve a puncture in a challenging case involving a patient with a urinary diversion. The needle tip tracking feature allowed me to confirm my position within the kidney with added accuracy.” 

With a legacy of leadership in endourology dating back to the early 1980s, the University of Minnesota has consistently been at the forefront of minimally invasive urologic innovation. “Minnesota is the home of the PCNL procedure and a number of advancements in endourology,” explained Dr. Agarwal. “The Focalist device will allow us to better obtain percutaneous renal access and help continue innovating PCNL.” 

Being chosen as an early adopter of new and cutting-edge technologies underscores M Health Fairview’s reputation as a trusted leader in surgical advancement and its ongoing dedication to improving patient outcomes through minimally invasive techniques. 

Learn more about M Health Fairview’s minimally invasive treatment options for kidney stones.