Titan Medical Inc (TMDIF)

[Element41]

End Effectors (Reusable versus Sterile Disposable)
I took a careful look at the ISRG (reusable) end effector versus the TMD (sterile disposable). These multi-articulating reusable instruments (tips) are very difficult & expensive per precedure to sterilize and adds to equipement downtime. Reusable also means that they have to be periodically maintained and repaired which incurs more cost and downtime. The risk of cross contamination is always present. TMD (sterile disposable) does NOT require any of the above. As well, your disposable tips are always operating at 100% efficiency (new) each procedure versus reusable that eventually requires it to be sent out for a precision sharpening on the micro scissors or a carbide insert replacement on a needle holder, etc. This is how TMD will lower its per precedure opex costs to the hospital to less than half of ISRG. Problem is that TMD holds certain exclusive utility patents that would make it much harder to copy without the risk of infringement. IMO, ISRG is looking at TMD, but so are many major manufacturers!