Stryker and Intuitive Surgical have joined forces to create advanced minimally invasive robotic surgery suites by integrating their respective technologies through a new strategic marketing agreement announced this week.

The agreement allows Intuitive Surgical to integrate its da Vinci Si robot into a Stryker iSuite containing the SwitchPoint Infinity Control System. The combination of technologies will have several advantages for the surgical team, says Stryker. Surgeons and staff will be able to access and view multiple high-definition images from the Stryker Integration System during the procedure and transmit footage from the robot outside the OR for teaching purposes if desired. The partnership also allows Intuitive Surgical's robotic equipment to be housed on ceiling-mounted booms from Stryker, freeing up floor space in the OR.

"Intuitive's innovative robotics platform, in conjunction with Stryker's diverse offering for the integrated operating room, provide customers the products and experience necessary to successfully complete these challenging projects," says Stryker Communications General Manager Spencer Stiles of the collaboration.

A demo version of the integrated da Vinci Si iSuite is currently under construction at Intuitive Surgical's training lab in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Irene Tsikitas

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