Dr. Matthew Kroh and Dr. Andrew Strong performed the first minimally invasive procedures with the system at the Cleveland Clinic. The procedures took place last month, just over a month after the FDA cleared the MARS system.

In a news release, Kroh said MARS could potentially “play a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of abdominal procedures.”

“MARS represents a noteworthy advancement and is part of the pathway to enhance minimally invasive surgery for healthcare institutions, surgeons, and most importantly, for patients,” said Kroh, the vice chair of innovation and technology at the Cleveland Clinic. “It’s also remarkably easy to use.”