Endomag Sentimag Smartprobe 

Developing a new device to improve surgical access without sacrificing sensing accuracy.

Project Description

Sanner partnered with Endomag to develop the Sentimag Smartprobe Slim™, a next-generation surgical probe used during breast cancer surgery. Working from initial feasibility through to pilot manufacture, we designed and developed a significantly smaller probe while maintaining the magnetic sensing performance required for clinical use. 

The Challenge

The original Sentimag probe provided excellent sensing performance but was relatively large, limiting surgical access and visibility. Endomag sought to create a slimmer, more ergonomic device that would improve surgical experience while delivering the same level of performance and reliability. 

Reducing the probe’s size without compromising magnetic sensing capability presented a significant engineering challenge, requiring careful optimization of both the mechanical design and magnetic performance. 

Our Approach

Concept Development 

Sanner explored multiple design concepts focused on reducing the overall size and improving ergonomics while preserving sensing accuracy. Sanner produced production-equivalent devices and carried out comprehensive verification testing to demonstrate performance and compliance with medical device requirements. 

The selected design was engineered for efficient manufacture, ensuring consistent quality while supporting pilot production and future scale-up. 

Results

Sanner successfully designed and developed the next-generation Sentimag Smartprobe Slim™, delivering a probe with approximately 50% less volume than the original device. The slimmer design provides surgeons with improved visibility, easier access and supports smaller surgical incisions during breast cancer procedures. 

By leading the probe development program, Sanner enabled Endomag’s internal engineering team to focus on parallel development activities while maintaining a predictable project timeline. Production-equivalent devices were manufactured and verified, contributing to FDA approval of the system in January 2023. 

The slim probe is a key part of our next generation Sentimag as it gives breast surgeons improved visibility and allows a smaller surgical incision to be used. Sanner took on the slim probe development in parallel with our internal project and were able to take it through to the pilot manufacture. This was a great help for us in terms of having a predictable timeline. I am really pleased with the project overall."
Quentin Harmer, CTO at Endomag

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