Quantum Surgical announced that it acquired NeuWave Medical, a microwave ablation technology developer previously acquired by Johnson & Johnson.
The two companies will operate as subsidiaries of Precision IO Group Inc., a newly created parent company led by CEO Kurt Azarbarzin. Recently serving as the CEO of EndoQuest Robotics, Azarbarzin also led the Verb Surgical venture between J&J and Google.
Related: Medica expands teleradiology network with Axon Diagnostics merger
France-based Quantum, which specializes in robotic-assisted cancer treatment, said the acquisition supports its strategy to democratize robotic-assisted tumor ablation treatments to reduce cancer mortality. It initially agreed to a deal for NeuWave in September 2025, according to a letter issued by J&J.
While financial terms remain undisclosed, it provides Quantum with NeuWave’s intellectual property, brands, product registrations, capital manufacturing, operations and inventory.
Quantum Surgical develops the Epione robotic-assisted percutaneous ablation system. Epione uses a robotic arm, a navigation system and a camera. It inserts a needle through the skin to the tumor and destroys it.
NeuWave, acquired by J&J’s Ethicon a decade ago, offers clinically proven microwave ablation technology. Its ablation offerings provide a physician-friendly workflow during percutaneous ablations.
“At Quantum Surgical, we are committed to democratizing procedural know-how through robotics, and expanding high-quality cancer care for patients. Acquiring NeuWave Medical, Inc. is a natural and strategic step in that mission,” said Bertin Nahum, president and co-founder of Quantum Surgical. “Innovation is our north star and we are thrilled to join forces with a passionate team of experts to drive innovation even further and shape the future of interventional oncology.”
The new group, Precision IO, aims to become a leader in the interventional radiology industry, according a news release. Its focus centers around precision and remote procedures.
Quantum brings experience in robotics and AI to pair with NeuWave’s minimally invasive ablation technology. NeuWave’s offerings can work independently or combined with other therapies to improve patient outcomes. Epione already has CE mark approval for abdominal, chest, and musculoskeletal structures indications, plus FDA clearance for the abdominal ablation indication.
According to Quantum, the companies expect to continue developing cross-organizational enhancements through complementary activities. However, both companies intend to operate independently to ensure a smooth experience for users.
The acquisition boosts Precision IO’s new remote interventions project. It aims to expand access to robotic-assisted percutaneous procedures. The company hopes to leverage world-renowned experts for remote trajectory planning and results assessment, using Epione tools.
“Enabling remote interventions benefits all stakeholders: more patients can access top-tier physicians and minimally invasive care without traveling long distances,” the companies said in a news release. “Physicians will be able to extend their expertise with greater geographic reach, collaborate in real time with specialists worldwide, and perform highly precise procedures with enhanced visualization and control.”
Azarbarzin brings significant experience, particularly in surgical robotics leadership, to the new venture. He founded and served as CEO of SurgiQuest before leading EndoQuest and Verb. Most recently, he became a partner at Frazier Healthcare Partners. There, he advises and supports high-growth healthcare companies at critical stages of development and commercialization.
“I am excited and honored to join Precision IO Group Inc. as CEO,” said Azarbarzin. “Quantum Surgical and NeuWave Medical, Inc. are highly complementary and share an incredible vision for the future. … I believe that their technologies, both independently and combined, have the potential to position us as leaders of the industry, and to transform cancer care on a global scale.
“Drawing on my 40 years of experience in minimally invasive surgery, I am convinced that AI, robotics and enabling remote interventions are game-changers for cancer care and interventional radiology.”
