Intuitive Launches Next-Generation da Vinci Surgical System in U.S.

Sunnyvale, Calif., devicemaker Intuitive Surgical said Tuesday it has launched the next-generation da Vinci Xi Surgical System in the U.S., following FDA clearance.

Like older-generation da Vinci products, da Vinci Xi enables access through the abdomen and chest and contains wristed instruments, 3D-HD visualization and ergonomic design.

The new system’s overhead architecture, however, allows for multiquadrant surgery without repositioning the system, Intuitive said. Other features include a new endoscope digital architecture that improves visual clarity, the ability to attach the endoscope to any of the smaller, thinner arms whose joints offer a greater range of motion, and longer instrument shafts that extend surgeons’ reach.

Da Vinci Xi is compatible with the company’s Firefly fluorescence imaging system, though the combination has not yet received regulatory go-ahead, the company said.

Intuitive has hit some road bumps with its surgical robots.  A 2013 FDA survey of physicians who used da Vinci products found the results were generally positive, but that training was inadequate. Some physicians reported device malfunctions, such as stuck, locked or cracked surgical arms and failure of the memory functions.

Intuitive said it will now seek regulatory clearance for da Vinci Xi in other markets. — Lena Freund

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