Intuitive Surgical makes da Vinci robots that let surgeons operate through a few small incisions, and Ion, a robot that reaches deep into the lungs to take tissue samples. In 2000, da Vinci became the first robotic system cleared by the FDA for general laparoscopic surgery, meaning keyhole operations in the abdomen. A surgeon sits at a nearby console and steers robotic arms holding a 3D camera and wristed instruments, which turn hand movements into smaller, steadier motions. Hospitals buy or lease the robots, then keep paying for the instruments used in each operation and for service. Intuitive was founded in 1995 to commercialize robotic surgery research from SRI International and is based in Sunnyvale, California.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Sunnyvale, California
Founded
1995
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