Intuitive Surgical Appoints General Manager in U.K., Ireland

Intuitive Surgical has named Phil Bradshaw as its first general manager in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Bradshaw will direct business strategy and operations for the company in these countries.
 
Intuitive pioneered the field of robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery with the creation of its da Vinci Surgical System. Now on its fourth-generation system, the company has seen more than 5 million robotic-assisted surgical procedures performed worldwide, and the da Vinci Surgical Systems’ benefits explored in more than 15,000 peer-reviewed scientific publications to-date.
 
“Our commitment to the U.K. & Ireland has been increasing since we entered these markets 10 years ago. Phil’s deep knowledge of the medical device industry and his enthusiasm for continued innovation in the U.K. and Irish markets, expands that commitment,” said Dr. Gary Guthart, CEO of Intuitive. “British surgeons have been at the forefront of driving innovation and improvements in patient care and economic value to the NHS using da Vinci robotic systems, where patients can recover and return home more quickly, saving the healthcare system money.”
 
Bradshaw brings nearly three decades of experience in the medical device field working for market-leading companies, and more than eight years of general management experience in the U.K. and European markets. “Intuitive’s experience and track record of working with surgeons to provide continuous developments in robotic-assisted surgery in the U.K. and Ireland was very important to me,” said Bradshaw. “The company’s commitment to ensuring that robotic-assisted surgery becomes a standardised option for surgeons in an increasing number of indications, will allow me to serve as a champion for increased patient access here in the U.K. and Ireland.”
 
Before joining Intuitive Surgical, Bradshaw worked at Medtronic plc as strategic alliance director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa within the Integrated Health Solutions Division. Prior to Medtronic, he established the Head & Neck Division at Stryker U.K., working in the Neurosurgical and Cranio-maxillio facial market. Additionally, Bradshaw spent 18 years with Synthes, a medical device company specializing in orthopedics, where he fulfilled a variety of graduated sales and marketing positions, including general manager roles in both the United Kingdom and Portugal.
 
Intuitive Surgical Inc., headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., develops, manufactures, and markets the da Vinci Surgical System. The company’s mission is to make surgery more effective, less invasive and easier on surgeons, patients and their families. There are several models of the da Vinci Surgical System. The da Vinci Surgical Systems are designed to help surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery. da Vinci Systems offer surgeons high-definition 3D vision, a magnified view, and robotic and computer assistance. They use specialized instrumentation, including a miniaturized surgical camera and wristed instruments (i.e., scissors, scalpels and forceps) that are designed to help with precise dissection and reconstruction deep inside the body.