The granddaddy of the surgical robots is getting an update. Intuitive Surgical has announced FDA approval and the official U.S. release of the da Vinci Xi, the next generation of its popular surgical robot. The Xi is the fourth generation of the da Vinci and is designed as a minimally invasive approach to large-incision abdominal surgeries. Intuitive Surgical says the robot has been optimized for complex, multi-quadrant surgeries.
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| The da Vinci Xi system. (image copyright: Intuitive Surgical) |
- A new overhead instrument arm architecture designed to facilitate anatomical access from virtually any position.
- A new endoscope digital architecture that creates a simpler, more compact design with improved visual definition and clarity.
- An ability to attach the endoscope to any arm, providing flexibility for visualizing the surgical site.
- Smaller, thinner arms with newly designed joints that offer a greater range of motion than ever before.
- Longer instrument shafts designed to give surgeons greater operative reach.
A November 2013 FDA survey echoed this sentiment with all respondents reporting the da Vinci's complex user interface creates a big challenge in learning how to use the device.
Still, news of the Xi's release has sent Intutitive Surgical stock surging.
With the U.S. introduction now underway, Intuitive says it will be seeking regulatory clearance in other global markets as well as clearance to make the Xi compatible with the Firefly imaging system.
| The da Vinci Xi boasts an enhanced user experience. |
