The da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted surgical system from Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, Calif, has received FDA clearance. Designed as an alternative to open surgery, the system is intended for minimally invasive surgeries to address complex diseases and conditions in gynecology, urology, thoracic, cardiac, and general surgery.

The Xi is the latest update of the system first introduced in 2000. While the da Vinci system has been a trailblazer in robotic surgery, it has also been the subject of controversy over high costs and risks of lawsuits, a topic addressed last year in an ECRI Institute webinar.

“Our goal is to develop technology that enhances surgical performance,” said Gary Guthart, Intuitive Surgical president and chief executive officer. “The da Vinci Xi System’s new overhead architecture means that multi-quadrant surgery can be performed without repositioning the system, an innovation long sought by surgeons who perform complex procedures. We strive to provide the most advanced, least invasive option for surgery, and we are working hard to make minimally invasive surgery the standard of care.”

Building upon the company’s existing design elements, including wristed instruments, intuitive motion, and ergonomic sensitivity, the da Vinci Xi incorporates a range of new features. The system enables efficient access throughout the abdomen and chest and incorporates immersive 3D-HD vision to provide a highly magnified view into the patient. A new overhead instrument arm architecture facilitates anatomical access from nearly any position, while a more compact endoscope digital architecture offers improved visual definition and clarity. The endoscope can also be attached to slender, smaller arms for additional visualization flexibility. Longer instruments shafts extend surgeons’ operative reach.

For more information, visit Intuitive Surgical.