Source: MedRobot; Editor: Mint
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In March 2023, Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) officially announced itsSurgical Robot UnitAndSurgical Innovation Operations DepartmentMerged into a single entity on February 1Surgical Business Unit, and appointed Mike Marinaro as Executive Vice President and President of the Surgical Division.
Mike Marinaro Discusses Motivations Behind Business Unit Merger and Future Work Plans in an Interview After Taking Office
Medtronic's newly established surgical business unit is led by Mike Marinaro, who has over two decades of experience at Medtronic. As early as the beginning of 2022, he was appointed President of the surgical robotics division.Medtronic stated in a statement: "By merging these businesses, Medtronic will be better positioned to capitalize on the highly attractive surgical robotics market. This market is expected...Will achieve nearly a twofold increase within the next 10 years.Long。”
▲Under MedtronicThe Hugo Surgical Robot System
The newly merged department will focus on Medtronic's Hugo surgical robot system. In 2021, Hugo assisted in a minimally invasive prostatectomy in Chile. Although Hugo has not yet been approved for marketing in the United States, this surgical robot has already received approvals globally for a series of general surgeries and laparoscopic procedures, including urological and gynecological surgeries: Hugo has been approved in Latin America, South America, the Asia-Pacific region, Canada, and Europe.
Q：What is the reason for Medtronic merging its Surgical Innovations Operating Unit and Surgical Robotics Unit? What does this merger enable you to do?A：This is a good time to merge the two divisions. Although we have been working as two separate divisions, in fact, the cooperation between the divisions has been very close, spanning all surgical fields. We adopt an incubator model for the development of surgical robots. Now that we have the opportunity to bring Hugo to market and make greater progress, we have implemented a more comprehensive and holistic adjustment.At present, we are the only companyA company capable of providing any type of surgery for customers. We can perform open surgery, minimally invasive surgery, or laparoscopic surgery. Developing strategies, driving innovation, and attracting customers are all crucial. This has been the original intention behind our development of surgical robots over the years, and now is the perfect time to consolidate departments and accelerate this effort.▲Under MedtronicThe Hugo Surgical Robot SystemQ：When is Hugo expected to be launched in the United States?A：Everything is proceeding according toThe plan is proceeding. We have already initiated the first U.S. Investigational Device Exemption trial for urological indications, and this study is going well. Although I cannot provide a specific date, I can say that we are making good progress.▲Medtronic's Vascular Closure Device SeriesQ：While merging departments and simplifying the business structure,Apart from Hugo, which product lines or areas will you focus on specifically? Which product lines will be phased out gradually?A：I have been working at Medtronic for a while, and I have gained a good understanding of the strength of our product portfolio. Vascular closure devices and staplers are truly our areas of advantage. The product lines related to sutures or hernia are growing rapidly, allowing us to develop these opportunities with a broader perspective.Therefore, instead of talking about phasing out certain product lines, I think what we should do now is identify our areas of strength and move forward in those corresponding fields.
▲Under MedtronicThe Hugo Surgical Robot System
Q：Looking ahead, what are the plans for the surgical business unit?A：We are currently handling tissue-related work and will then put the entire department into operation. Going forward, we will continue to focus on innovation and effectively promote the Hugo surgical robot system in the global market.
Well-known Surgical Robotics Companies in China:
