Intuitive Surgical Transfers Japanese Operations to Adachi

Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Intuitive Surgical has transferred its Japanese sales, marketing, service, support and training for the Da Vinci systems to Adachi Co. Ltd., a process it has been working on since June 26. With this agreement, Intuitive Surgical will further expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region.

Intuitive Surgical and Adachi will work together to ensure Da Vinci customers in Japan experience a smooth transition. In addition, Intuitive Surgical will offer employment to a number of Adachi employees who have experience with the Da Vinci business. These employees will be added to Intuitive Surgical’s existing regulatory team, call center and other departments to further strengthen the highly capable organization.

“Adachi has made a significant contribution to da Vinci Surgery in Japan, establishing the Da Vinci surgical system in the Japanese market,” said Gary Guthart, Intuitive Surgical president and CEO. “We are thankful for their contributions. This agreement allows Intuitive Surgical to increase our interaction and collaboration with Japanese customers and is another step in building our long-term capabilities in Asia.”

“Japan is a significant country for Intuitive Surgical,” said Jeroen M.M. van Heesewijk, Intuitive Surgical Asia Pacific vice president. “It is the second largest medical device market in the world and an area where we currently have more than 150 customers. With a direct team in Japan, we seek closer collaboration with Japanese customers, surgical societies and leading healthcare providers.”

Intuitive Surgical has worked directly with Japan’s regulatory body, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), for the past several years to secure regulatory clearance of products and reimbursement. “We look forward to continuing our cooperative relationship with the MHLW,” said Seiji Kamijo, Intuitive Surgical Japan, vice president and director.

The terms of the arrangement were not disclosed and are not expected to have a material impact on Intuitive Surgical’s results of operations.

The Da Vinci system performs robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery.