Intuitive Surgical (NSDQ:ISRG) said yesterday that it’s begun the transition from 2nd-party distribution to direct sales in Japan for its da Vinci robot-assisted surgery device.
The da Vinci system had been distributed in Japan by Adachi Co., according to a press release. The shift will include the hiring of "a number" of Adachi employees by Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Intuitive, according to the release.
"Adachi has made a significant contribution to da Vinci Surgery in Japan, establishing the da Vinci Surgical System in the Japanese market," president & CEO Gary Guthart said in prepared remarks. "We are thankful for their contributions. This agreement allows Intuitive Surgical to increase our interaction and collaboration with Japanese customers and is another step in building our long-term capabilities in Asia."
Intuitive said Adachi will work with it to ensure a smooth transition for existing customers in Japan
"Japan is a significant country for Intuitive Surgical," Asia Pacific vice president Jeroen van Heesewijk said in a statement. "It is the 2nd-largest medical device market in the world and an area where we currently have more than 150 customers. With a direct team in Japan, we seek closer collaboration with Japanese customers, surgical societies and leading healthcare providers."