Medical technology giant Johnson & Johnson has unveiled a new electrosurgical generator, designed to enhance its Ottava robotic surgical system. This innovative device, known as the Dualto generator, provides power for various energy-based surgical instruments used in cutting and sealing tissue while controlling bleeding. With a focus on efficiency and space-saving design, the generator boasts up to 46% less physical footprint compared to separate units. The launch aligns with J&J's broader strategy to distinguish its Ottava soft tissue robot from competitors by integrating arms directly into the operating bed, thus minimizing the system's overall size.
The Dualto generator represents a significant advancement in the realm of surgical energy devices. It powers a range of instruments, including monopolar, bipolar, ultrasonic, and advanced bipolar tools, crucial for both open and minimally invasive procedures. According to J&J, the modular design and flexible architecture of the Dualto improve upon its predecessor, the Gen11 Generator, marketed by Ethicon, a subsidiary of J&J. Recently granted 510(k) clearance by the FDA, the Dualto is the first system enabling two surgeons to activate simultaneous energy from one unit, enhancing collaboration during complex surgeries.
J&J emphasizes the importance of reducing the physical footprint of its systems. When compared to four stacked current systems, the Dualto with two energy modules occupies 46% less space. This reduction drops to 23% when comparing it with two existing systems. Such innovations are particularly appealing to surgeons performing both open and minimally invasive surgeries manually, offering them more room to operate effectively.
In the long term, these advancements could bolster J&J's efforts to differentiate its Ottava surgical robot from market leaders like Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci system. Testing on humans for the Ottava robot began in November, with its compact design being a key selling point. At a recent TD Cowen investor conference, Tim Schmid, worldwide chairman of medtech at J&J, highlighted the unified architecture of the Ottava system as a standout feature. By incorporating arms into the operating room bed, the Ottava addresses global concerns over space constraints and clutter within operating rooms.
Schmid also underscored the strength of J&J's comprehensive portfolio, which includes multibillion-dollar investments in wound closure and biosurgery technologies. Once the company establishes a competitive robotic system, it aims to provide surgeons with a complete array of offerings across all surgical domains—open, laparoscopic, and robotic. Through innovations like the Dualto generator, Johnson & Johnson continues to push the boundaries of medical technology, promising enhanced precision and efficiency in modern surgical practices.