Medtronic: developing a Robotic-Assisted Surgery system

The Challenge

Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, identified a promising opportunity in the soft-tissue surgical robotics market, which is projected to grow from $5 billion USD today to three times that by 2030. Despite the presence of established competitors like the da Vinci robot, Medtronic sought to leverage its extensive expertise in minimally invasive surgery to capture a share of this rapidly expanding market. The development of a new, innovative robotic surgery system was essential to their strategy for market entry and growth.

The surgical robotics market was dominated by Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci robot, which accounted for a significant portion of surgeries worldwide. Medtronic faced the dual challenges of high costs and limited utilisation of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) systems. Additionally, internal operational hurdles, including aligning multiple stakeholders and overcoming technical complexities, threatened to delay the development and launch of their new surgical robot, Hugo. Overcoming these barriers was crucial for Medtronic to achieve its strategic goals.

The Approach

Medtronic’s approach focused on developing the Hugo RAS system to address the key barriers of cost and utilisation. Hugo was designed as a modular, multi-quadrant platform offering the precision of wristed instruments and the flexibility of independent robotic arm carts. The system’s compatibility with Medtronic’s Touch Surgery Enterprise software enabled surgeons to record, analyse, and share surgical footage. Emphasising modularity and upgradability, Medtronic ensured Hugo could adapt to technological advancements, making it accessible and valuable for a wider range of hospitals and patients.

The Impact

Medtronic’s strategic efforts culminated in the successful launch and first patient procedure with the Hugo RAS system in Santiago, Chile. The implementation of Hugo marked a significant advancement in robotic-assisted surgery, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes. Early adoption programs and partnerships with hospitals in Chile and Panama further demonstrated the system’s global potential. The development and deployment of Hugo positioned Medtronic as a competitive player in the surgical robotics market, poised to drive the future of minimally invasive surgery and improve healthcare delivery worldwide.