Intuitive Surgical (Nasdaq: ISRG) announced today that the FDA cleared the latest advanced energy instrumentation for its da Vinci systems.
The surgical robotics leader developed the Vessel Sealer Curved instrumentation for use with its multiport robotic systems. It designed the fully wristed, advanced bipolar electrosurgical instrument to seal, cut, grasp and dissect tissue. The company says it marks the first FDA clearance for its advanced energy instruments for the transection of lymphatic vessels.
Intuitive says Vessel Sealer Curved offers enhanced multifunctionality and precision. Its slim, curved jaw follows the natural contours of anatomy. This helps to improve visibility and control, especially in tight spaces and around critical structures. The instrument has a mechanical blade that cuts closer to the tip, offering versatility as a dissector.
(For more on the wide world of surgical robotics, see our special report on the space.)
The FDA cleared the instrumentation for grasping and blunt dissection of tissue. It also received the nod for bipolar coagulation and mechanical transection of blood vessels (veins and arteries) up to 7mm in diameter, lymphatic vessels and tissue bundles that fit within its jaws. Clearance does not cover tubal sterilization or coagulation for sterilization procedures, Intuitive said.
“We designed Vessel Sealer Curved to give surgeons greater precision in narrow anatomical spaces,” said Iman Jeddi, SVP and GM, da Vinci platforms & product operations. “By combining the trusted performance of Vessel Sealer Extend with a slimmer, curved jaw profile, we’re helping surgeons work more efficiently and confidently across a wide range of procedures.”
This marks the latest positive development for Intuitive. da Vinci 5, Intuitive’s latest-generation robot, won FDA clearance last year, then picked up CE mark last week. The company began its commercial rollout in the U.S. this year. In May, Intuitive also won FDA clearance for a new indication for its da Vinci single port (SP) system.
