Medtronic has obtained the CE mark for its LigaSure RAS vessel-sealing technology, enhancing the capabilities of the Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system.
The approval allows for expanded use of the Hugo RAS system in gynecologic, general, and urologic procedures across Europe.
LigaSure is an advanced robotic-driven instrument, with its vessel-sealing technology utilised in over 35 million procedures across more than 65 countries over the past two decades.
Dr. Miguel Caceres from Pacifica Salud Hospital in Panama was among the first to employ LigaSure RAS with the Hugo RAS system and used it for four years.
The LigaSure RAS Maryland instrument, powered by the Valleylab FT10 energy platform, is designed for exclusive use with the Hugo RAS system.
It is indicated for sealing and cutting vessels, thick tissue, and lymphatics up to 7mm in diameter, reliably sealing vessels in around two seconds while minimising thermal spread.
Dr. Caceres said: “LigaSure technology is one of the most important advances for minimally invasive surgery because it provides sealing and cutting in a way that is very, very secure for the performance of the surgeon and the security of the patient.
“As a robotic surgeon, we want LigaSure technology because it gives us confidence in the security of the seal. We are already seeing the benefits in our cases with the Hugo RAS system.”
The medical device company is sponsoring a symposium during the Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS) 2025 Annual Meeting, scheduled from 16 to 20 July in Strasbourg, France.
The SRS meeting will also feature a presentation on preliminary outcomes of hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions.
The study involved 112 Hugo RAS procedures across eight sites in Europe and Asia, with Dr. Francesco Fanfani of Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic presenting the data.
Medtronic will also showcase its telesurgery capabilities on the Hugo RAS system from the nearby IRCAD facility, one of its strategic training partners.
It will be followed by a panel discussion, including contributors to the Technical Guidelines for Remote Robotic-Assisted Surgery, recently published in the Journal of World Surgery.
Hugo RAS system is currently used in more than 30 countries on five continents, with more than 270 independent publications supporting its clinical use.
The Hugo RAS system remains an investigational device and is not for sale in the US.
Currently, Medtronic’s submission for a urology indication is under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with an anticipated entry into the US market later this year.
Medtronic president and surgical business senior vice president Matt Anderson said: “Today, with CE Mark for LigaSure RAS, Medtronic is fulfilling a promise to customers to integrate our trusted vessel-sealing technology onto the Hugo RAS system.
“More than fulfilling a commitment, this regulatory approval is a big step forward as we continue to shape the future of surgery with surgical teams who share our passion and commitment to deliver the best possible care to every patient.”
