Spatium Medical, a spinoff from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, has raised €5mn to improve laparoscopy with its smart insufflation device.

Insufflation refers to the process of introducing gas, typically CO2, into the abdomen, in order to “inflate” it and create enough workspace for the surgeon.

However, the use of pressurised CO2 gas comes with a series of disadvantages, especially in high pressures. These include the disruption of blood flow to the organs, obstructions in mechanical ventilation, post-operative pain, and delayed recovery.

Spatium Medical's insufflator promises a solution. The startup's patented turbine technology keeps the gas pressure consistently stable. It also synchronises with mechanical ventilation, which can reduce pressure levels by up to 10%, minimising pulmonary complications. The second process is called “reciprocal insufflation.”

In addition, the insufflator uses what is called “endoscopic oscillometry” technology to offer personalised pressure, tailored to each patient — a first for clinical tools, according to the startup.

Spatium Medical says that its solution can improve both patient recovery and surgical outcomes. Behind its technology is a team of clinicians and researchers from Erasmus MC and the TechRes Lab in Milan, Italy.

Expected launch in 2026

The startup might be young (founded two years ago), but it has big ambitions.

“To bring this innovative technology, developed here in Rotterdam, to the point where it will become the next standard of care for minimal invasive surgeries worldwide,” said the company's CEO Willem Mees van der Bijl.

With the fresh capital, Spatium Medical plans to complete the development of its insufflation device and run clinical trials to receive certification. The company expects to launch it commercially in 2026.

The funding round saw participation from both new and existing investors, including InnovationQuarter, Demcon Investment Fund, Van Herk Ventures, and Swanbridge Capital.

The financing is supported by the Innovation Credit from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).