Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISRG) is the global technology leader in minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. The Company's da Vinci® Surgical System enables surgeons to operate minimally invasively through a few small incisions or the belly button from a nearby ergonomic console. The da Vinci System features a magnified 3D HD vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand. As a result of this technology, da Vinci enables surgeons to operate with enhanced vision, precision and control.
The original prototype for the da Vinci System was developed in the late 1980s at the former Stanford Research Institute under contract to the U.S. Army. While initial work was funded in the interest of developing a system for remotely performing battlefield surgery, possible commercial applications were even more compelling.
In 1995, Intuitive Surgical was founded to test this theory. In January 1999, Intuitive launched the da Vinci System, and in 2000 became the first robotic surgical system cleared by the FDA for general laparoscopic surgery. In the following years, the FDA cleared the da Vinci System for thoracoscopic (chest) surgery, cardiac procedures performed with adjunctive incisions, as well as urologic, gynecologic, pediatric, and transoral otolaryngology procedures. In June 2000, Intuitive Surgical completed a successful initial public offering. This was followed by a second successful public offering in 2003. In 2003, the company also acquired its principal competitor, Computer Motion, Inc., strengthening the company’s intellectual property holdings.
For additional information about Intuitive Surgical, including da Vinci System installations, procedures, fiscal year revenue, patent and patent applications, please refer to our Investor Presentation.
