FDA Clears da Vinci(R) System Use in Benign Base of Tongue Resection Procedures

Intuitive Surgical (Nasdaq: ISRG) today announced that it has received FDA clearance for use of the da Vinci S® and da Vinci Si® Surgical Systems in benign, base of tongue resection procedures. These procedures are performed transorally, or through the mouth opening, by otolaryngologic surgeons. Otolaryngologists specialize in diseases of the ear, nose and throat (ENT). These procedures involve removal or resection of non-cancerous or benign tissue at the base of the tongue, near the opening of the throat."I am pleased with this next step in our progress in serving the transoral otolaryngology market," said Dave Rosa, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Intuitive Surgical. "The significance of this clearance is ENT physicians can now offer their patients a new minimally invasive option for benign base of tongue resection procedures."The da Vinci S and da Vinci Si Surgical Systems were previously cleared for use in transoral otolaryngology procedures restricted to early stage benign or malignant (cancerous) tumors classified as T1 and T2. These systems may now also be utilized for benign base of tongue resection procedures. The da Vinci Xi System is not currently indicated for use in transoral otolaryngologic surgical procedures.