Intuitive Surgical Expands Manufacturing in Mexico

Intuitive Surgical Inc. (ISI) is the global leader in the rapidly emerging field of roboticassisted minimally invasive surgery. Since its inception in 1995, the company has consistently provided surgeons and hospitals with the tools needed to improve clinical outcomes. The proprietary da Vinci Surgical System is being used in more than 850 academic and community hospital sites. Its applications include chest, cardiac, urologic and gynecologic procedures.

By integrating computer-enhanced technology with surgeons' technical skills, Intuitive enables surgeons to perform better surgery in a manner never before experienced. The da Vinci(r) Surgical System seamlessly and directly translates the surgeon's natural hand, wrist and finger movements on instrument controls, outside the patient's body, into corresponding micro-movements of the instrument tips positioned inside the patient through small puncture incisions. The extensive EndoWrist® instrumentation of the da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform a variety of laparoscopic procedures through 1- 2 cm incisions.

Because ISI’s management clearly understands the challenges associated with the rapid acceptance of its products and services worldwide, ISI contracted with NAPS to assist with much needed instrument manufacturing capacity expansion in Mexicali, Mexico. Although the Mexicali plant is modest at this point in time, ISI has established the perfect “beach head” from which to expand its manufacturing capabilities of its disposable Endowrist disposable instruments.

The Intuitive Surgical project exemplifies the role Mexico is playing in improving the accessibility of highly sophisticated technology in the global marketplace. NAPS has supported Carlos Luengo, Plant Manager for Intuitive Surgical, in bringing on board technicians and engineers that are qualified to perform optimally in a world-class manufacturing environment. Intuitive engineers in Mexico have experience in robotics and
the automotive industry and a number have been sent to learn skills at the Sunnyvale, CA headquarters of Intuitive. In June Intuitive celebrated the opening of its operation in Mexicali. Welcome to Mexico and continued success, Intuitive Surgical!