Houston-based Endoquest is developing a robotic surgical system that is meant to be less invasive by enabling navigation through the body’s natural orifices. The single-incision surgical approach could allow new types of procedures to be performed and improve patient outcomes, with less tissue trauma and scarring, according to the company.

“This technology represents the evolution we have been waiting for to finally perform endoluminal surgery, which could redefine what’s possible in minimally invasive colorectal procedures and potentially allow a significant number of patients to avoid invasive operations like colectomies,” Todd Wilson, Endoquest’s chief medical officer, said in a statement.

In January, Endoquest’s system was accepted into the FDA’s Safer Technologies Program for devices expected to improve the safety of available treatment options. Participants in the program benefit from a streamlined development and review process with the goal of speeding patient access to new technologies.