Intuitive Study Finds Robotic Surgery Expands Access to Minimally Invasive Care

Intuitive (NASDAQ: ISRG), a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery, announced findings from two new studies showing that the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) improves access to minimally invasive care, especially in underserved regions known as "surgery deserts."

The research, published in the *Journal of the Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons* and *Annals of Surgery Open*, highlights how RAS helps hospitals overcome barriers such as surgeon training gaps and infrastructure limitations. In areas with limited access, patients are more likely to undergo open surgery, missing the benefits of minimally invasive techniques such as reduced recovery time and fewer complications.

One study showed that surgeon training and procedural experience account for two-thirds of disparities in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) access. RAS was found to reduce the learning curve, making MIS more accessible for patients across various demographics.

Another study analyzing 153 U.S. hospitals between 2016 and 2022 revealed that hospitals adopting RAS saw MIS rates rise from 60.5% to 65.8%, significantly higher than those without RAS, which rose only slightly from 56.1% to 57.0%. The gains were particularly notable in hernia repairs and colorectal surgeries, with improvements across age groups and insurance types.

The studies support the idea that RAS does not merely shift procedures from traditional laparoscopy but contributes to the overall growth of minimally invasive surgeries. To date, more than 16 million procedures using Intuitive systems have been performed worldwide.

For more information, visit [www.intuitive.com](http://www.intuitive.com).

FDA Clears Intuitive’s First Single-Port Robotic Surgery Stapler for Broader Use

On April 10, 2025, Intuitive Surgical received FDA clearance for its SP SureForm 45 stapler, the first stapler designed specifically for single-port robotic surgery. The stapler, compatible with the da Vinci SP surgical system, is now approved for thoracic, colorectal, and urologic procedures in the U.S.

The SP SureForm 45 features SmartFire technology, which optimizes staple formation by adjusting to tissue thickness in real time, aiming to improve surgical precision and safety. It gives surgeons full control from the console without needing an assistant to operate the stapler, potentially saving time during operations.

This clearance expands the capabilities of Intuitive’s da Vinci SP system, already used internationally for a range of procedures. The stapler is not approved for transoral otolaryngology in the U.S. Intuitive emphasized its commitment to developing less invasive surgical technologies that enhance outcomes and recovery for patients.

Studies Show Intuitive’s Force Feedback Tech May Improve Surgical Precision and Reduce Tissue Trauma

Intuitive has announced the publication of two peer-reviewed studies highlighting the potential of its Force Feedback technology, now integrated into the da Vinci 5 surgical system. These studies, published in *Surgical Endoscopy*, show that the technology can help surgeons reduce the force applied to tissue and improve surgical performance—regardless of experience level.

The first study, led by Dr. Michael Awad of Washington University, found that Force Feedback reduced tissue force by up to 43% across surgeons with varying levels of experience. Dr. Awad noted that excessive force during surgery can lead to tissue damage, increased pain, and longer recovery for patients.

The second study, led by Dr. Andrew Hung of Cedars-Sinai, demonstrated that novice surgeons using Force Feedback during suturing significantly reduced errors and tissue trauma while completing tasks faster.

According to Intuitive’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Myriam Curet, these findings offer early but compelling pre-clinical evidence of the technology’s benefits and its potential to improve outcomes across a range of surgical procedures.

Force Feedback is currently in limited use in the U.S. and is expected to expand through 2025. For more information, visit [Intuitive](https://www.intuitive.com).

Study links:
- [Awad et al. 2024](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00464-024-11131-z)
- [Hung et al. 2025](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00464-024-11472-9)

Intuitive Surgical, known for its da Vinci robotic surgery systems, recently reported strong fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded market expectations. The company achieved a 25% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching $2.41 billion, with an adjusted profit of $2.21 per share. This growth was driven by an 18% rise in procedures performed using the da Vinci system and the installation of 493 new units during the quarter.

Despite these robust results, the company’s stock declined, closing at $584.05, down 8.1%. The dip was attributed to the company's 2025 gross margin forecast, which is expected to be between 67% and 68%, below the 69% achieved in 2024. Factors affecting this outlook include a shift in revenue sources toward newer platforms, such as the da Vinci 5, SP, and Ion systems, as well as challenges related to exchange rates.

Looking ahead, Intuitive Surgical anticipates a 13% to 16% growth in da Vinci-assisted procedures for 2025, slightly below the 17% growth recorded in 2024. Analysts remain optimistic about the company's long-term potential, citing the growing demand for robotic surgery. The stock holds a "Moderate Buy" rating, with an average price target of $613.10, indicating potential upside from its current trading price.

Intuitive announced unaudited preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 on January 15, 2025. In the fourth quarter, there was a significant 25% increase in revenue, totaling approximately $2.41 billion compared to $1.93 billion in the same period of 2023. The full year also saw a notable increase, with revenues reaching about $8.35 billion, up 17% from $7.12 billion in 2023. This growth was supported by a 17% increase in worldwide da Vinci procedures over the year, with a forecasted 13% to 16% increase in 2025. The company placed 1,526 da Vinci surgical systems during the year, marking an 11% increase from 2023.

The fourth quarter experienced robust growth in both procedures and system placements. Approximately 2,683,000 surgical procedures were performed using da Vinci systems in 2024, up from about 2,286,000 in 2023. System revenue for the quarter rose 36% to around $655 million, influenced by higher average selling prices and a lower mix of leased systems. The company also emphasized its contribution to the Intuitive Foundation, which increased to $45 million from $40 million in the prior year's fourth quarter.

Intuitive is optimistic about the future, focusing on enhancing patient outcomes through innovative platforms like da Vinci 5, Ion, and SP. The company did not experience significant disruptions from COVID-19 in 2024, which contrasts with the previous year’s impacts during the first quarter. With these strong preliminary results, Intuitive continues to be a leader in minimally invasive care and robotic-assisted surgery, shaping a future where healthcare is less invasive and more efficient.