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Share the news with our latest stories and featured posts that highlight what’s going on at Intuitive today. For recent public affairs statements, see Notifications. Members of the media can contact us at corpcomm@intusurg.com or visit Press Resources.

Problem Solver

Intuitive’s immersive da Vinci surgical console helps make surgeons’ work easier
Problem Solver

Can robotic surgery be used for emergency surgery?

Feature

Dr. Myriam Curet describes how surgical training remains key to better outcomes
Interview

Intuitive leadership talks about innovation, training, and being a force in surgical robotics

Engineering Intuition, About the Power of Purpose-Built Hardware and Software

Documentary video about how the da Vinci system, its wristed instruments, 3DHD vision, and fluorescence imaging bring precision and control to surgeons.

Sep 08, 2022 | 00:05:11

Engineering Intuition, About the Power of Purpose-Built Hardware and Software

Documentary video about how the da Vinci system, its wristed instruments, 3DHD vision, and fluorescence imaging bring precision and control to surgeons.

Sep 08, 2022 | 00:05:11
Always Learning, Documentary About Unlocking New Thoracic Surgery Capabilities

Documentary video about the training pathway for surgeons acquiring skills in robotic surgery using da Vinci systems.

May 13, 2022 | 00:05:51
The Evolution of Surgery, Documentary About Minimally Invasive Surgery

Documentary video about the continued evolution of surgery, from traditional open surgery to less invasive, robotic-assisted procedures with the goal of advancing care.

Mar 29, 2021 | 00:05:31
A Race to Catch Lung Cancer, Documentary About Early Lung Cancer Detection

Documentary video about Drs. Pritchett and Herrera and the race to biopsy lung nodules for suspected lung cancer in order to address lung care earlier.

Mar 26, 2021 | 00:06:14
One clear mission, 14+ million procedures performed using da Vinci systems

More than 29 years of innovating for minimally invasive care by 9,700+ Intuitive employees. Da Vinci systems are in 71 countries with more than 68,000 surgeons trained.

Jun 27, 2024 | 00:03:26

Frequently Asked Questions

What are da Vinci surgical systems?

Made by Intuitive in Sunnyvale, California, da Vinci surgical systems are advanced robotic-assisted surgical platforms designed to help a surgeon expand their operating capabilities and offer another minimally invasive option for patients. By providing surgeons with enhanced visualization, dexterity, precision and ergonomics, da Vinci systems help skilled surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures.

Why are the systems called da Vinci?

The name “da Vinci” pays homage to Leonardo da Vinci, the 15th century inventor, painter, philosopher and Renaissance man. Leonardo da Vinci is widely known for advancing the study of human anatomy. He was also intrigued by mechanics and automation, which eventually led to the design of the first known robot, “Leonardo’s Robot,” which was likely made around the year 1495.

Is the operating surgeon in the room?

The surgeon performing the procedure is located at a console in the operating room in close proximity to the patient and surgical support staff. Remote surgery, or telesurgery, is not a focus of Intuitive’s product design.

How are surgeons trained in RAS?

Intuitive, regulatory agencies and organizations, hospitals, and professional medical societies all have a role in surgeon training. While Intuitive has developed a program that supports surgeons in developing the knowledge and skills needed to use da Vinci technology safely and efficiently, individual hospitals are responsible for directing the training requirements and credentialing of the robotic-assisted surgeons who receive privileges at their facilities.

Notifications

February 2024
Response to recent media coverage

October 2023
Response to New York Times coverage

August 2021
Statement on FDA Safety Communication from Aug. 20, 2021

Intuitive’s primary focus is patient safety. We recognize and support FDA’s important role in protecting and promoting public health, including its oversight of clinical trials.

Intuitive follows FDA regulation and guidance, and Intuitive’s ongoing U.S. clinical investigation on the safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted surgery in prophylactic nipple-sparing mastectomy has been approved by the FDA under an Investigational Device Exemption.

The Safety Communication issued on August 20, 2021 by the FDA, is specific to the use and study of robotic-assisted surgery in mastectomy. It affirms that “RAS devices have been cleared for use in certain types of surgical procedures commonly performed in patients with cancer, such as hysterectomy, prostatectomy and colectomy. These clearances are based on short term (30 day) patient follow up.”

The FDA has not evaluated robotic-assisted surgical devices for the prevention and treatment of cancer based on cancer-related outcomes such as overall survival, recurrence, and disease-free survival.

Intuitive believes that any treatment or medical intervention should be informed by discussions between surgeons, clinicians and patients that consider all options, the associated risks and benefits, the surgeon’s or clinician’s own training, experience and outcomes.

July 2021
Regarding recent media coverage

We want to correct a misleading assertion made in recent media reports about da Vinci surgical systems. Intuitive does not have the ability to remotely shut down a da Vinci surgical system during a procedure underway at a hospital.

For patient safety purposes, there are circumstances in which a da Vinci surgical system may automatically stop functioning if operated in an unsafe manner or if a serious error is detected. Further, we maintain robust cybersecurity controls that prevent access to the systems that could modify their behavior during surgery.

Intuitive values the safety and well-being of surgeons and their patients. “Patients first” is core to our mission and foundational to what we do, and why we do it.

Disclosures and important safety information

Important safety information

Serious complications may occur in any surgery, including surgery with a da Vinci system, up to and including death. Examples of serious or life-threatening complications, which may require prolonged and/or unexpected hospitalization and/or reoperation, include but are not limited to, one or more of the following: injury to tissues/organs, bleeding, infection, and internal scarring that can cause long-lasting dysfunction/pain.

Risks specific to minimally invasive surgery, including surgery with a da Vinci system, include but are not limited to, one or more of the following: temporary pain/nerve injury associated with positioning; a longer operative time, the need to convert to an open approach, or the need for additional or larger incision sites. Converting the procedure could result in a longer operative time, a longer time under anesthesia, and could lead to increased complications.

Contraindications applicable to the use of conventional endoscopic instruments also apply to the use of all da Vinci instruments.

For important safety information, including surgical risks and considerations, please also refer to www.intuitive.com/safety. For a product’s intended use and/or indications for use, risks, full cautions and warnings, please refer to the associated User Manual(s) or visit https://manuals.intuitivesurgical.com/market.

Individuals’ outcomes may depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to patient characteristics, disease characteristics, and/or surgeon experience.

Da Vinci Xi/X system precaution statement

The demonstration of safety and effectiveness for the representative specific procedures did not include evaluation of outcomes related to the treatment of cancer (overall survival, disease-free survival, local recurrence) or treatment of the patient’s underlying disease/condition. Device usage in all surgical procedures should be guided by the clinical judgment of an adequately trained surgeon.

Ion is for sale in the U.S.

Outside of the U.S., Ion may not have regulatory approvals in all markets. Please check with your local Intuitive representative.

Important safety information

Risks associated with bronchoscopy through an endotracheal tube and under general anesthesia are infrequent and typically minor and may include but are not limited to: sore throat, hoarseness, respiratory complications including dyspnea or hypoxemia, airway injury, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, fever, hemoptysis, chest, or lung infection including pneumonia, lung abscess or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although rare, the following complications may also occur: bleeding, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), cardiac related complications, respiratory failure, air embolism, or death. As with other medical procedures, there may be additional risks associated with the use of general anesthesia and/or endotracheal intubation which are not listed above; you should consult a healthcare professional regarding these and other potential risks.

Procedures using the Ion robotic bronchoscopy system may be associated with longer procedure and/or longer anesthesia time.

Individuals’ outcomes may depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to patient characteristics, disease characteristics, and/or physician experience.

The Ion endoluminal system (Model IF1000) assists the user in navigating a catheter and endoscopic tools in the pulmonary tract using endoscopic visualization of the tracheobronchial tree for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The Ion endoluminal system enables fiducial marker placement. It does not make a diagnosis and is not for pediatric use.

Information provided by the Ion endoluminal system or its components should be considered guidance only and not replace clinical decisions made by a trained physician.

Da Vinci 5 system

For risks, cautions, and warnings and full prescribing information, refer to the associated da Vinci 5 Surgical System user manual(s).

Contraindication

Use of the force feedback needle driver is contraindicated in hysterectomy and myomectomy due to the risk of vaginal bleeding requiring hospital readmission and/or the need for additional procedures. The use of non-force feedback needle drivers is recommended for suturing in these procedures.

Precaution for Representative Uses

The demonstration of safety and effectiveness for the representative-specific procedures was based on evaluation of the device as a surgical tool and did not include evaluation of outcomes related to the treatment of cancer (overall survival, disease-free survival, local recurrence) or treatment of the patient’s underlying disease or condition. Device usage in all surgical procedures should be guided by the clinical judgment of an adequately trained surgeon.