B. Braun has acquired True Digital Surgery (TDS), a Goleta, Calif.-based company that specializes in in digital robotic-assisted 3D surgical microscopy.

The acquisition reinforces B. Braun’s strategy to invest in the future of digital microsurgery and expands its share in this growing segment. Before the deal, the company had a minority stake in TDS.

The decision to fully acquire TDS lets B. Braun’s Aesculap surgical division to gain the TDS team’s expertise. This ensures the continued advancement of Aesculap AEOS, one of the company’s core products used in neurosurgery, spinal surgery, and ENT surgery.

“This strategic move enables us to integrate the cutting-edge technology and innovative capabilities of TDS,” said Dr. Jens von Lackum, member of the B. Braun executive board and responsible for the surgical division Aesculap. “By combining the best of both worlds, we can continue to provide our customers with best-in-class systems in robotic assisted 3D microsurgery. We are excited about the potential this acquisition brings and the opportunities to further develop our digital surgical solutions.”

The high-end microsurgery market in neuro, spine, and ENT surgery is shifting from traditional analog microscopes to digital exoscopes. This provides visualization at extreme angles and lets surgeons operate while looking at 3D monitors rather than through an eye piece. Surgeons can also stand upright during surgery, reducing physical strain.

B. Braun said it plans for TDS to remain as a tech hub at its Goleta location. The purchase price was not disclosed.

“This merger with such a highly respected healthcare organization as B. Braun represents an exciting new milestone for True Digital Surgery and is a natural extension of the successful partnership we’ve enjoyed for several years,” said Aidan Foley, former TDS CEO and Chairman of the Board. “The combination of our groundbreaking technologies with B. Braun’s access to the global healthcare market represents an incomparable opportunity for both companies to further improve the lives of patients and medical professionals the world over.”