Healinno Tech's AI Robot Uses Waterjets to Reshape Prostate Surgery

BEIJING – March 09, 2026 – Beijing-based Healinno Tech has unveiled a new surgical robot that combines artificial intelligence with high-pressure waterjet technology, aiming to revolutionize the treatment of common urological conditions. The system, named metaFlow®, promises to enhance surgical precision, improve patient safety, and reduce recovery times by replacing traditional cutting tools with a heat-free, robotically guided stream of water.

The introduction of the metaFlow® system marks a significant step in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery, a field long dominated by a handful of global players. By integrating AI-driven planning with a novel dissection method, Healinno Tech is positioning itself as a key innovator in China's rapidly advancing medical technology sector, with ambitions to impact surgical care worldwide. The system is already being used in several of China's leading hospitals for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a common non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.

A New Paradigm: Cold Cutting with AI Precision

At the heart of the metaFlow® system is a departure from conventional surgical techniques that rely on heat-based energy, such as lasers or electrosurgery. Instead, it employs a high-velocity waterjet - a "cold cutting" tool that uses pressurized saline to precisely dissect and remove tissue without generating thermal energy. This fundamental difference is critical in delicate urological procedures where avoiding damage to surrounding nerves and muscles, particularly those controlling urinary and sexual function, is paramount.

The process begins before the first cut is ever made. The system's AI platform uses transrectal ultrasound images to construct a detailed, patient-specific 3D map of the prostate. This allows the surgeon to meticulously plan the procedure, identifying and marking the exact tissue to be removed while creating a clear boundary to protect vital structures like the bladder neck and external sphincter. According to the company, this AI-powered planning achieves a spatial resolution of 0.1mm, enabling a level of preoperative customization previously unattainable.

Once the plan is set, the robotic arm executes the surgeon's commands with unwavering stability. Guided by real-time ultrasound imaging, the robot navigates to the target area and autonomously performs the tissue removal using the waterjet. Clinical trial data reported by sources close to the company suggest the robotic excision itself can be completed in as little as three to five minutes, a dramatic reduction from the 90 minutes or more often required for traditional Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). This efficiency, combined with the precision of robotic control, is intended to standardize complex procedures and shorten the steep learning curve for surgeons.

Clinical Validation and Early Adoption in China

Healinno Tech's metaFlow® is not merely a concept; it has already entered clinical practice. The system has been accepted into China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) "green channel" process reserved for innovative medical devices, but has not yet received final regulatory approval. Following this, it has been deployed in several top-tier Chinese medical institutions, including Peking University First Hospital and Beijing Hospital.

To date, over 100 patients with moderate-to-severe BPH have been successfully treated with the metaFlow® robot across these centers. The company has pointed to data from 157 clinical trials conducted at twelve hospitals, which reportedly demonstrated significant clinical advantages over traditional surgery. These trials showed marked improvements in patient-reported outcomes, such as International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), and objective measures like urinary flow rates.

The core benefit highlighted in these early results is the preservation of function. By eliminating thermal injury, the waterjet technique significantly lowers the risk of common and debilitating side effects associated with conventional BPH surgery, including sexual dysfunction and incontinence. This focus on patient quality of life is a key selling point. The technology's promise is further bolstered by its acknowledgment in the 2022 edition of the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urological and Andrological Diseases, which recognizes high-energy water-jet enucleation as an effective and precise method for prostate surgery.

Navigating a Competitive Global Landscape

While Healinno Tech has achieved early success in its home market, it enters a competitive global arena for surgical robotics. The field has long been dominated by Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system, a versatile platform used in millions of procedures worldwide, including urological surgeries like prostatectomies.

However, a more direct competitor for the metaFlow® is the AquaBeam Robotic System from the U.S.-based company Procept BioRobotics. Its Aquablation therapy, which is FDA-approved, also uses a robotically controlled, heat-free waterjet to treat BPH. The success and market adoption of Aquablation validate the clinical potential of waterjet technology, creating a recognized space for Healinno Tech to enter.

Healinno Tech's strategy appears to be one of differentiation through its deep integration of artificial intelligence for both planning and execution, which it promotes as a key advantage for standardizing outcomes. By securing a strong foothold in the vast Chinese market first, the company is building a foundation of clinical data and operational experience. While specific plans for seeking FDA or CE Mark approval in the U.S. and Europe have not been made public, the company's stated goal is to make its technology accessible globally. This ambition is supported by a robust intellectual property portfolio of over 100 patents and international recognition, including a 2024 WIPO Global Award for its innovative use of IP. As it expands, Healinno Tech represents a growing trend of Chinese medical device firms moving from manufacturing to high-tech innovation, ready to challenge established players on the world stage.