Medtronic wins FDA clearance for LigaSure instrument on Hugo robot

Medtronic ($MDT) received FDA clearance for the LigaSure RAS Maryland jaw instrument for its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system. The instrument brings the company’s vessel-sealing technology to the robotic platform and is designed to seal vessels, tissue bundles and lymphatic structures up to seven millimeters using the Valleylab FT10 energy platform.

The clearance expands the instrument set available for Hugo in its authorized US applications. Hugo’s US clearance currently covers urologic procedures; the company’s plans to expand into general surgery and gynecology should not be mistaken for additional approvals in this announcement. Medtronic presents the new instrument as a way to streamline robotic workflows. The release does not quantify incremental system sales or establish a change to financial guidance.

Sources:

• Medtronic — FDA clearance announcement