Innovative insights blog

Shaping the future of the robotic OR: engineers collaborating with surgeons

In the early days, our team had one mission: expanding access to minimally invasive surgery through robotic technology. To get there, one thing was certain — surgeons and support staff would need to play a critical role in helping us disrupt the status quo. With that, our surgeon-centric approach was put into action and continues to drive our efforts today.

Modular design in surgical robotic systems

Working closely with surgeons from around the world, we decided to take a new approach and make the entire Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system modular. This configuration, including mounting the arms on separate carts, was central to transforming how surgeons use RAS.

Building a business case for robotic surgery

Learn more about how to build a business case for investing in a robotic assisted surgery program.

The role of a startup specialist

The Medtronic Startup Specialist becomes a key member of both the hospital’s robotic team, as well as serving as the primary conduit to the full Medtronic team. They become part of the doctor’s team, an additional member of the nursing staff, and a vital member of the robotics committee.

Taking minimally invasive surgery to the next level

See how we build on our legacy to shape the future of surgery and make a world of difference for patients around the world.

Make the most of your robot: how to maximize the value of a strategic robotics program

Featuring Marieke Maanders
Director of Integrated Health Solutions, EMEA, Medtronic

As leader of the IHS consulting team, Marieke focuses on developing robotics beyond the device itself. She and her team partner with hospitals on the design, development and delivery of robotic programs to help them achieve their strategic objectives. The ultimate goal: help hospitals realize more value from their robot purchase through optimization of patient care and standardization around patient treatment.

What’s the next big thing in surgery?

Technology is evolving rapidly with many new surgical innovations, but we have to continually ask ourselves–why this specific technology? How is it going to benefit the end user?  What’s important is that technology enables us as surgeons to do things better for our patients.

Women surgeons break new ground in surgical robotics

The first female surgeons in the world to use the Hugo™ robotic-assisted surgery system join us for a panel discussion led by Alexandra Imp, Senior Communications Generalist. 

These groundbreaking surgeons share their experiences and how they see healthcare culture shifting to be more inclusive for female surgeons.

Pacifica Salud stands out as a center of excellence

There are exciting things happening at Pacifica Salud in Panama. We spotlight their program with a look at how their program developed and what impacted their success along the way.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the ergonomics of RAS: a review of the evidence

While surgeons work to heal their patients, technology advancements in the OR work to keep surgeons well, too. Jed Farlow, Lead Human-Centered Design, Medtronic Surgical Robotics R&D, gives his insight.

Changing the training game: one path to standardized training for robotic-assisted surgery

Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie shares his perspective on setting training standards for robotic-assisted surgery (RAS).

5 questions to answer before starting a RAS program

Robotics industry expert Josh Feldstein shares the top five questions a hospital must consider before starting a robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) program – and why having clearly-defined answers is so important.

3 barriers to building a RAS program (and solutions to overcome them)

Dr. John Lenihan, explores 3 key barriers you’ll likely face when starting a robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) program — and 3 solutions to help you successfully overcome them.

How PBP is transforming RAS training

Robots have been showing up in surgical settings for nearly 20 years now. Yet, training for robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) still hasn’t been integrated into standard medical school curricula. Currently, surgeons who want to work with robots generally attend a procedural skills course, often co-facilitated by experienced surgeons and device manufacturer consultants. These sessions tend to follow a more traditional approach, where the trainee learns first by observing, then by doing. For Professor Anthony Gallaher, Director of Research and Skills Development at Orsi Academy, there’s a better way.

How to start a sustainable RAS revolution in your hospital

Medtronic Robotics System Utilization Manager, Berta Ortiga, a former hospital operations manager and deputy hospital CEO, joins us to share her experience and perspective on the best way for hospitals to approach investing in robot-assisted surgery technology and building a successful robotics program.

Obesity and robotic-assisted surgery (RAS)

Dr Anna Fagotti, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Unit at Polyclinico Gemelli, President-elect of the European Society of Gynecological Oncology, Associate Editor of the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer and Scientific Editor of the European Society of Gynecological Oncology shared some of her insights about the challenges of surgically treating obese patients and how she uses robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) to overcome some of those challenges. 

Can RAS drive ergonomic improvements for surgeons?

Erik Wilson, MD, Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Director, Minimally Invasive Surgeons of Texas (MIST), Co-founder and President of the Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery.

Don’t go it alone: building a successful robotic surgery program through partnership

Every organization comes into the robotic surgery space with its own unique perspective. And often, they sometimes don’t have a clear view of what that journey of bringing a robotic program to life looks like. That’s where a trained specialist from Medtronic comes in. We start by defining their goals and then work together in partnership to map out what that journey will look like for their hospital.