Samyook Busan Hospital Becomes First Secondary General Hospital in Korea to Introduce AI Kidney Stone Surgical Robot

Zamenix, the World's First AI Kidney Stone Surgical Robot,
Introduced at Samyook Busan Hospital
A New Era for Intractable Stone Patient Treatment

Samyook Busan Hospital has become the first secondary general hospital in South Korea to introduce the AI-based kidney stone removal surgical robot 'Zamenix,' marking a new chapter in the treatment of intractable stone patients.

Samyook Busan Hospital Becomes First Secondary General Hospital in Korea to Introduce AI Kidney Stone Surgical Robot

Zamenix.

On August 11, Samyook Busan Hospital announced, "We have introduced Zamenix, the world's first AI kidney stone surgical robot, and have begun its full-scale operation."

Zamenix, selected as an innovative medical device by the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA) in 2023, consists of a flexible endoscopic robot and a precision remote control system. It allows for repeated removal of stones through the urethra and ureter without incisions, significantly reducing the burden on patients.

This equipment is equipped with multiple AI functions that enhance accuracy and safety compared to conventional surgeries. These include automatic adjustment of stone position through respiratory compensation, improved laser irradiation precision, determination of stone size and minimization of ureteral injury, and automatic restoration of the endoscopic entry route. These features shorten surgery time and offer advantages in removing recurrent stones.

Lee Heonju, Chief of the Department of Urology, stated, "It is highly significant that we have introduced the world's first AI-based kidney stone surgical robot, as well as being the first among secondary general hospitals in South Korea. We will further improve treatment outcomes through safer and more precise surgeries."

Chief Lee previously led the first flexible ureteroscopic stone removal surgery at a general hospital in Busan in 2017, the introduction of single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes, and percutaneous micro-nephroscopy surgery in 2019. To date, he has performed approximately 4,000 ureteral stone surgeries, making him a leading stone specialist in South Korea.