Times Yours 118633: Great info. Per the article;
Risk and Uncertainty 03/24/2020
One of the key long-term risks to Intuitive Surgical is that competitors introduce a compelling alternative to da Vinci procedures, siphoning off some of Intuitive's growth opportunities and potentially reducing the profitability of its business. We are particularly curious about J&J's foray into robotic surgery (previously via a joint venture with Alphabet, but now solo). Little is known what the other industry giants are working on regarding soft tissue surgery, but their interest in this field alone is worth monitoring. Aside from competition, other factors could impede robotic surgery's rapid advancement. Robotic surgery has yet to establish itself as a good alternative to manual laparoscopy in certain procedures such as benign hysterectomy, as well as general surgery. As reimbursement doesn't distinguish between manual and robotic MIS, and robotic instrumentation costs more, hospitals are forced to eat the difference between the two procedures, and if clinical benefit isn't well established, manual laparoscopy may prevail. Finally, cost-conscious hospitals, particularly outside the United States, have been cautious in adopting da Vinci.
Yes, RAS is somewhat of a novelty, unless the hospitals can sell the benefits of "that" value proposition." They have to be able to justify the cost/benefits of that new instrument. I'd say a great deal of our headwinds are from existing large fund companies that are invested in ISRG. Why should they help us, if they're already committed to ISRG? MDT knows that the immediate market growth for multi-port is overseas. Let the games begin.
And for anyone that thinks we're not working to further develop ENOS/Sport - nothing could be further from the truth. The US HQ has a multi-year lease, and funding for at least another year. By my estimates for nearly 80 engineers. TMDI and product could continue to run from Canada, but has changed course. IMO.
Good luck to all. Regards,BK.
