Health Canada approves Hugo RAS from Medtronic

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Medtronic Canada announced it has received a Health Canada licence for the Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system for use in urologic and gynecologic laparoscopic surgical procedures, which make up about half of all robotic procedures performed today.

“This licence ushers in a new opportunity for healthcare in Canada, bringing the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery to more patients by addressing the historic cost and utilization barriers that have stifled robotic surgery adoption for two decades,” said Megan Rosengarten (pictured), president of the Surgical Robotics business, which is part of the Medical Surgical Portfolio at Medtronic. “We’re beginning to see what the Hugo RAS system can do in the hands of clinicians in Latin America and Asia Pacific, and we’re excited to see the possibilities it creates in Canada.”

Globally, about 3% of soft tissue surgeries are performed robotically, despite offering patients the benefits of minimally invasive surgery – fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to normal activities.

“Minimally invasive technology has a role to play in addressing the backlog of surgery in Canada. It can help optimize our precious healthcare human resources when patients spend less time in and out of the hospital,” said Neil Fraser, president of Medtronic Canada. “Today in Canada, only 1–2 percent of surgeries are performed with robotic assistance. “I’m proud that the launch of the Hugo system means we can help change that, and, more importantly, help to improve the patient and healthcare provider experience. Our first step will be to work with hospital partners to identify the best candidates for RAS based on patient outcomes and cost.”

A modular, multi-quadrant platform indicated for urologic surgical procedures and gynecologic laparoscopic surgical procedures, the Hugo RAS system combines wristed instruments, 3D visualization, and a cloud-based surgical video capture option in Touch Surgery Enterprise with dedicated support teams specializing in robotics program optimization, service, and training.

Health Canada licensing comes on the heels of major milestones in the Hugo RAS system global launch, including the receipt of CE Mark approval in Europe and the first urologic and gynecologic cases in Latin America and India, which are included in the Hugo RAS system patient registry.

About Medtronic Canada ULC
Proud to serve Canadian healthcare for over 50 years, Medtronic Canada ULC is headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, with regional offices in Montreal and Vancouver, and is a subsidiary of Medtronic plc. We are the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our technologies and therapies address 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. We deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. For more information on Medtronic Canada, visit www.Medtronic.ca.