Source: MedRobot; Editor: Sophia
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On November 19, 2024, Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) announced plans to submit an application to the U.S. FDA for the use of its Hugo surgical robot in urological indications in early 2025.This news indicates that Medtronic is actively promoting the commercialization process of the Hugo surgical robot.。
During the company's Q2 earnings call, Medtronic Chairman and CEO Geoff Martha announced that the application for the Hugo surgical robot is expected to be submitted to the FDA in the first quarter of 2025.Martha emphasized at the meeting that the company is actively "investing in a solid foundation for future growth."In addition to the submission plan for the Hugo surgical robot, Medtronic also highlighted itsTouch Surgery Digital Surgical System Live Streaming TechnologyThe launch of，And inRapid Registration Progress in Hernia and Gynecology Fields。
In July 2024, Medtronic announced itsTouch Surgery Digital Surgical SystemUpdatedLive streaming function, including 14 new AI algorithms, can enhance postoperative analysis functions.Provide AI-based surgical insights for laparoscopic surgical robots and other robot-assisted surgeries.Martha stated, "We will continue to increase our investment in the Hugo platform." He further explained that the company has completed the data collection required for urology indications and expects to submit the relevant documents to the FDA in the first quarter of 2025.In addition, he also mentioned the company's plans for the upcomingTwo MedtronicHernia and GynecologyIndication StudyChinaAchieved rapid patient"Enrollment."Martha also revealed that the Hugo surgical robot is expected to be launched in certain countries and regions soon.Introduction of ICG Fluorescence Imaging Technology。At the same time,2025It is expected that the publicDepartmentAdvanced LigaSure Vessel Sealing TechnologyIntegrationTo the Hugo platform, to further enhance its functionality and market competitiveness.
Medtronic's LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing Technology achieves permanent fusion of vessels and tissue bundles with diameters not exceeding 7 millimeters. The average sealing cycle takes only 2 to 4 seconds and can withstand pressure up to three times the normal systolic pressure. Equipped with a feedback response system, it automatically stops energy delivery upon completion of sealing, ensuring the safety of the procedure.
# About Hugo Surgical Robot
Hugo is a soft tissue surgical robot developed by Medtronic. It features a modular design, consisting of an open surgical control console with a 3D-HD display, a patient surgery platform, and more.
Surgical Console:There is a head above the open monitor.A tracking device judges whether the surgeon is looking at the screen by tracking the reflective markers on the 3D glasses worn by the chief surgeon. When the surgeon is not looking at the screen, the master control automatically locks (to prevent accidental operation).Main Hand:The two master hands translate the doctor's hand movements into the movements of instruments or endoscopes. When the robotic arms or instruments reach the boundary of the working space, the master hands will restrict the doctor’s hand movements to serve as a reminder.The controller at the end of the Hugo master handle is gun-grip styled, with added buttons for controlling the stapler activation and reset, as well as a hand detection sensor (located at the base of the thumb, functioning similarly to head tracking; when the doctor's hand is not detected, the master handle locks). Modular Design:Hugo Robot Adopts Modular Robotic Arm Design, Allowing for Easy Movement, Sharing, and Deployment Across the Hospital to Improve Equipment Utilization. Applied in Various Surgical Environments, It Offers More Choices for Doctors.Technology Sharing:Hugo is an independent laparoscopic solution with advanced visualization capabilities.Integrating advanced technologies of traditional laparoscopic and open surgeries, including Storz endoscopes, Valleylab electrosurgical systems, etc.,Doctors can more flexibly choose tools suitable for specific situations.Video Recording:Provide safe and seamless video recording options, allowing doctors to review and analyze surgical videos anytime and anywhere, continuously improving the surgical process. Offer more learning and optimization opportunities for medical teams.Intelligent Recognition:Able to identify and label key anatomical structures, provide information that may not be visually observable, making the surgical process more precise and controllable, reducing potential human errors, and improving the success rate of surgeries.
Teaching Assistant:Through the integration of digital surgery and artificial intelligence, the Hugo™ RAS system provides a "driver-assist" function, allowing doctors with limited experience in specific surgeries to receive guidance and recommendations from top experts, thereby improving the quality and safety of the procedures.Related Reading:In-Depth Analysis: What Are the Similarities and Differences Between the Hugo Surgical Robot and da Vinci? (Part 1)
In-Depth Analysis: What Are the Similarities and Differences Between the Hugo Surgical Robot and da Vinci? (Part 2)
# The Path to Commercialization- In June 2021, the Hugo RAS system completed the world's first patient surgery using this system in Chile—a robotic prostatectomy. Since then, Medtronic has collaborated with local hospitals to refine its market layout in Latin America.
In October 2021, the Medtronic Hugo RAS system received EU CE certification,Approved for sale in Europe, for use in urology and gynecology surgeries. This is an important milestone in the commercialization of the Hugo RAS system.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, Medtronic began selling the Hugo RAS system outside the United States and generated revenue.
In fiscal year 2022, Medtronic plans to conduct urological surgery trials using the Hugo RAS system in the United States, with an investment of at least 400 million USD.
In June 2023, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London, UK, became the first medical institution in the UK to introduce the Medtronic Hugo robot.
In October 2023, at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Medtronic announced that a training center for the Hugo RAS robotic-assisted surgery system had been established in Taiwan, China, providing training in precision minimally invasive surgery for surgeons across the Asia-Pacific region and locally.
Medtronic's Hugo soft tissue surgical robot has achieved significant commercial progress in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, and is expected to challenge the market position of the da Vinci surgical robot globally in the future.
Medtronic is a global leading medical technology company, founded in 1949, with its headquarters located in Minnesota, USA. Medtronic's main product lines areThe four major businesses of cardiovascular, surgery and critical care, neuroscience, and diabetes cover a product and service system in the treatment areas of arrhythmia, heart failure, cardiac intervention, heart valve replacement, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, urinary system diseases, spinal diseases, neurological diseases, and ENT.
As a technology company, Medtronic is also committed to researching and developing new medical technologies to improve patients' quality of life. The company has numerous research and development centers and production bases worldwide, with a total workforce of over 90,000 employees. Medtronic's business spans more than 150 countries and regions globally.
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