Medtronic has announced that the first commercial surgery in the United States using its newly FDA-cleared Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system was performed at Cleveland Clinic. The procedure, a robotic-assisted prostatectomy, was completed by Dr. Jihad Kaouk, professor and chair of the Glickman Urologic Institute and the Zegarac-Pollock Endowed Chair in Robotic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic. The patient was discharged one day after the operation.
“This case exemplifies Cleveland Clinic’s mission to lead surgical innovation and expand access to minimally invasive surgery,” said Dr. Kaouk. “The new technology allows us to customize the approach for each patient case.”
Robotic technology is widely used in urology, with approximately 80% of urologic abdominal surgeries in the U.S. now performed with robotic assistance. This trend has created a large group of surgeons experienced in these procedures who can support training as new systems like Hugo become available.
The Hugo RAS system features modular arms and a mobile footprint, which may help hospitals address scheduling and infrastructure challenges in operating rooms. These features are intended to increase patient access to minimally invasive care, which has been associated with benefits such as less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and reduced postoperative pain.
Cleveland Clinic has been involved in researching and implementing new robotic approaches. Dr. Kaouk led the team participating in the Expand URO Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study—the largest completed for multi-port robotic-assisted urological surgery in the U.S.—which found that the Hugo RAS system met primary safety and effectiveness goals consistent with published research.
“We are excited that the first commercial case in the U.S. using the Hugo RAS system has been successfully completed by Dr. Kaouk and his team. Their pioneering spirit and collaboration reflect our shared vision that with new technology, like Hugo, more patients can access the benefits of minimally invasive surgery,” said Rajit Kamal, vice president and general manager of Robotic Surgical Technologies within Medtronic’s Surgical business. “The future of surgery isn’t about robotics as a separate modality, it’s about technology that enables surgical teams to deliver the best possible care for every patient. Medtronic is uniquely positioned to do that as the only company in the world that can partner with surgeons and hospitals across open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgery.”
Other institutions among the first to install the Hugo RAS system include Duke University Hospital and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center; Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center is noted as being first among hospitals not involved in clinical studies of Hugo.
Medtronic states that its system offers flexibility and accessibility for surgeons while prioritizing choice and efficiency during operations. The company plans to seek additional indications for use beyond urology, including gynecologic procedures and hernia repair.
Medtronic plc is headquartered in Galway, Ireland, employs over 95,000 people worldwide across more than 150 countries, and provides technologies for over 70 health conditions ranging from cardiac devices to surgical tools.
For further details on Medtronic or its products visit www.Medtronic.com or medtronic.com/hugoishere.
