In this episode of IntuitiveTalks, Glenn Vavoso, a U.S. Navy Veteran and SVP and General Manager APAC at Intuitive, begins by sharing how his time in the Navy led him on a winding road to medtech and, later, valuable insights into the company's strategic expansion in Asia's medical device market, including a $100 million investment.

Also, in the episode, Vavoso discusses the factors that led to Intuitive's transition from a distributor model to a direct selling model, highlighting the importance of being close to the customer and directly involved in the market. He also provides an overview of the attitude and adoption limitations towards surgical robotics in various Asian countries, focusing on Japan and Korea, and his strategy to overcome the obstacles. He further delves into the competitive landscape of surgical robotic systems in Asia, revealing that there are 11 active market-released competitive robotic systems in the region. Despite the competition, he emphasizes that there is more opportunity ahead than behind, especially in top-tier institutions. 

Lastly, Vavoso also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on their operations, explaining how the pandemic has led to a shift in their approach to customer engagement and remote communication with surgeons and hospital executives.

Check out the episode to learn how by focusing on opportunities in China and South Korea, building local partnerships, and utilizing virtual tools, Vavoso has charted a course for Intuitive to increase its reach and impact throughout Asia.

Join us at DeviceTalk West this October 18-19 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Visit West.DeviceTalks.com to see our lineup of speakers, panels, and sessions.

Intuitive's Vavoso on the rise of surgical robotics in Asia

In this episode of IntuitiveTalks, Tony Jarc, Sr. Director of Digital & Machine Learning at Intuitive, walks us through the evolving landscape of surgical robotics, highlighting the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in enhancing surgical procedures, providing real-time guidance to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

Jarc also introduces Case Insights enabled by the My Intuitive hub, a digital tool designed to offer surgeons valuable post-operative feedback. But the platform's potential goes beyond the data.

Jarc also underscores the significance of collaborating with surgeons from the early stages of product development to ensure its useability and effectiveness. As surgical robotics continue to advance, Jarc's insights provide a glimpse into how technology and human expertise can work in tandem for improved surgical procedures. Listen now to learn more about how Intuitive is not just embracing the intersection of AI and surgical robotics but using it to guide future opportunities.

Thank you to TECAN, for sponsoring this episode of IntuitiveTalks. Visit tecan.com/paramit-design-to-manufacturing to hear from TECAN’s leadership team in an expert video series and to download TECAN’s Product Requirements Checklist to help you prepare for your product development.

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Intuitive's Tony Jarc discusses the next leap in surgical robotics with AI integration

In this episode of IntuitiveTalks, we welcome back Myriam Curet, MD, EVP & Chief Medical Officer at Intuitive, to discuss the transformative impact of surgical robotics on patient care, focusing on the evolution of the DaVinci system, including the recent DaVinci 5 launch.

In the episode, Dr. Curet explains how surgical robotics like DaVinci have shifted from being seen as advanced technology to becoming an integral part of surgical practice, enhancing patient outcomes and surgeon efficiency. She also stresses the significance of real-world data and meta-analyses in validating surgical robotic systems and providing a profound understanding of their benefits across various categories of surgery. Lastly, Dr. Curet offers a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous development and approval process of the DaVinci 5 system.

Thank you to Paragon Medical for sponsoring this episode of IntuitiveTalks. Please visit https://www.paragonmedical.com/ to learn more about how Paragon Medical supports medical device companies.

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Intuitive CMO Myriam Curet unpacks DaVinci 5 launch, growing robotics adoption, and clinical impact

In this episode of IntuitiveTalks, Dirk Barten, Senior VP and GM of EU Commercial and Marketing at Intuitive, takes us through Europe's unique surgical robotics landscape. He discusses the differences in adoption rates between the US and Europe, where surgical robotics uptake has lagged by about five to seven years.

Barten also explains the critical role Intuitive’s digital ecosystem plays in supporting surgeons and healthcare teams throughout Europe. Through tools like tele-education and digital hubs, Intuitive is providing accessible training and data support, which he believes are essential in driving improved patient outcomes and meeting hospitals' needs for more integrated and efficient surgical solutions.

In addition, Barten explores how healthcare system consolidation in major European countries is reshaping hospital networks, leading to increased centralization of complex procedures. He highlights Intuitive’s investment in expanding its infrastructure across Europe, with new sites in Switzerland, Germany, and the UK, underscoring Intuitive’s confidence in the region’s growth potential despite ongoing economic pressures.

Thank you to Kollmorgen for sponsoring this episode. To learn more about how Kollmorgen works with medical device companies, please visit: www.kollmorgen.com. 

And that’s not all! Explore some of Kollmorgen’s success stories below:
1. Kollmorgen and Stereotaxis Advance the Precision and Safety of Surgical Robots | https://www.kollmorgen.com/en-us/case-studies/kollmorgen-and-stereotaxis-advance-precision-and-safety-surgical-robots
2. Enabling New Surgical Possibilities with High-Torque, Low-Temperature and Compact-Size Motors | https://www.kollmorgen.com/en-us/case-studies/enabling-new-surgical-possibilities-high-torque-low-temperature-and-compact-size

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Intuitive’s Barten on Europe’s surgical robotics adoption, healthcare shifts & regulatory demands

Where does Iman Jeddi see Intuitive’s da Vinci 5 - and robotics - fit into the future of surgery?

In this episode of IntuitiveTalks, Iman Jeddi, PhD, senior vice president and general manager of the company’s multi port platform, shares a vision for the future of surgery where robotic systems elevate the performance of surgeons and deliver greater care equity.

Jeddi’s career started in biomedical engineering, taking her through several start-ups and ultimately, Abbott. Her lifelong career goal to create technology that improved care for the many led her to join Intuitive Surgical in 2013.

Jeddi has held multiple leadership roles in engineering, operations, and quality. Prior to taking her current post, Jeddi was general manager of the single-port platform, da Vinci SP, so she brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to the company’s surgical robotic portfolio.

The interview begins and ends with a personal story illustrating her belief in building medical devices and tools that can deliver better care for as many patients as possible.

Thank you to Aptyx for sponsoring this episode of IntuitiveTalks! Please visit www.aptyx.com to learn more about how Aptyx can help you manufacture your competitive edge.

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Where Intuitive's Iman Jeddi sees da Vinci 5 - and robotics - fitting into the future of surgery

The DeviceTalks Podcast Network delivers news, insights and commentary from MedTech industry leaders, primarily from the largest OEMs in healthcare. Our podcasts will inspire MedTech professionals to create better MedTech devices and companies.

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