Robot manufacturer Intuitive secures FDA approval for a single-port device; ResMed acquisitions diagnostic center
In a significant development for the medical technology industry, Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci Single Port (SP) surgical system has established itself as a key player in minimally invasive surgeries, particularly for single incision procedures and complex procedures like transanal and thoracic surgeries. Specialized centers, such as Emory Healthcare, are actively utilizing the da Vinci SP system to support advanced thoracic surgeries with single-incision robotic technology.
The da Vinci SP system allows surgeons to control up to three multi-jointed instruments and a camera through a single entry point, navigating narrow body cavities with precision. This innovation aids faster healing and shorter patient recovery times, making it an attractive option for both surgeons and patients.
Intuitive Surgical's commercialization momentum continues with the recent clearance of the da Vinci 5 Surgical System by the U.S. FDA in 2024 and CE Mark approval in 2025 in Europe. The da Vinci 5 platform expands Intuitive’s robotic surgery offerings across multiple specialties, including urology, general surgery, gynecology, and thoracic procedures in adults. The system also received approval for use in pediatric patients, broadening its application even further.
With over 150 enhancements and integration improvements, the da Vinci 5 represents Intuitive’s latest and most advanced technology. However, the da Vinci SP remains an essential solution for single-port procedures, demonstrating its continued relevance within Intuitive’s portfolio. The company continues its focus on innovation to improve outcomes, workflow efficiency, and broaden access to minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Intuitive Surgical's commercial performance remains strong, with nearly 90,000 surgeons trained worldwide and support for nearly 17 million procedures over 30 years. While exact performance metrics for the SP system specifically are not provided, the introduction and regulatory approvals of new generations of the system, including the da Vinci 5 platform and ongoing use of the SP system, support continued commercialization momentum.
Elsewhere in the medical technology sector, Precision Neuroscience, a brain-computer interface company, has appointed John Woock as its chief business officer. This strategic hire is part of Precision's plans to scale and make a wider impact in the coming years. Michael Mager, Precision's co-founder and CEO, stated that Woock's appointment, along with the appointment of Konstantinos Alataris to the board of directors, will help the company in its mission.
In another notable development, ResMed has acquired Virtuox, an independent diagnostic testing facility for sleep, respiratory, and cardiac conditions. This acquisition is part of ResMed's strategy to target primary care physicians who have existing relationships with IDTFs in response to the approval of Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drug Zepbound in sleep apnea. Virtuox provides home-based diagnostics and patient monitoring for conditions including sleep apnea, expanding ResMed's reach into home healthcare.
Financial details about the ResMed-Virtuox acquisition were not disclosed. However, it is clear that this acquisition is a strategic move for ResMed, positioning the company to capitalize on the growing market for sleep apnea treatments.
In other news, Axonics, a medical device company, generated $110 million in the first year of its commercial launch in the U.S. and grew sales to around $450 million by 2024. This impressive growth underscores the demand for innovative medical devices and the potential for significant growth in the medical technology industry.
Lastly, Intuitive Surgical secured clearance for a stapler that works with the da Vinci Single Port system last month, further expanding the capabilities of the da Vinci SP system. This clearance covers the use of the system for transanal local excision/resection, opening up new possibilities for minimally invasive surgeries.
In conclusion, the da Vinci SP system is commercially established and clinically integrated, particularly in niche single-port and complex surgeries. It benefits from being part of Intuitive’s broader, evolving robotic surgery portfolio, positioning the company for continued growth and innovation in the field of minimally invasive surgeries.
- The FDA has cleared Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci 5 Surgical System in 2024, setting a commercialization momentum for the medtech industry.
- Emory Healthcare utilizes the da Vinci SP system for advanced thoracic surgeries, demonstrating its importance in the healthcare sector.
- The da Vinci SP system, with its single-entry point technology, aids faster patient healing and shorter recovery times, impacting the health-and-wellness industry.
- Intuitive Surgical's portfolio includes the da Vinci 5 platform, which expands robotic surgery offerings across multiple specialties, including medical care for adults and children.
- Precision Neuroscience, a medtech company, has appointed John Woock as its chief business officer, aiming to scale and make a wider impact in the science and technology realm.
- ResMed has acquired Virtuox, an independent diagnostic testing facility, as part of its strategy to venture into home healthcare and primary care physicians' networks.
- Axonics, a medical device company, achieved $450 million in sales by 2024, indicating a growing demand for innovative devices and potential expansion in the finance sector.
- Intuitive Surgical secured clearance for a stapler, broadening the capabilities of the da Vinci SP system and its applications in specialized therapies-and-treatments.
- The news about Intuitive Surgical's stapler clearance signifies continued innovation in the field of imaging and diagnostics, contributing to advancements in minimally invasive surgeries.
- In the realm of fitness-and-exercise, improved surgical technologies like the da Vinci SP system could lead to better patient outcomes and quicker recovery periods, promoting a healthier population.
