First RYGB cases performed with Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s OTTAVA Robotic Surgical System

Johnson & Johnson MedTech has completed the first cases in the clinical trial for the OTTAVA Robotic Surgical System, the first clinical experiences with the system. OTTAVA is designed as a multi-specialty soft-tissue surgery robot, supporting a broad range of procedures across patient anatomy and surgical specialties, including the most complex surgeries that require a multi-quadrant approach.

"Surgical robotics is at the forefront of innovation in minimally invasive surgery," said Dr Erik Wilson, Chief of Minimally Invasive and Elective General Surgery UT Health Houston and the lead investigator for the clinical study, who performed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery using the OTTAVA Robotic Surgical System at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. "I am proud to have performed the first clinical study cases with OTTAVA and potentially help advance the standard in surgical robotics."

Data from this investigation aims to support the system's ability to perform a variety of procedures. Upon completion of the study, the company plans to submit the OTTAVA system for De Novo authorisation in the US, targeting an indication covering multiple procedures in general surgery within the upper abdomen, such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, small bowel resection and hiatal hernia repair.

"We are proud to reach this important milestone in our robotic surgery programme," said Hani Abouhalka, Company Group Chairman, Surgery, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. "OTTAVA is a key innovation in our portfolio of advanced surgical technologies – all of which are designed to transform the surgical experiences across all surgery. Our people work side-by-side with surgical teams in ORs around the world every day to raise the standard of care for patients and deliver what's next in surgery."

Johnson & Johnson MedTech's OTTAVA system received investigational device exemption (IDE) approval from the FDA in late 2024.  The system is designed to advance clinical innovation in general surgery, a stronghold for Johnson & Johnson MedTech's broader surgery business. OTTAVA is designed to address unmet needs that persist in robotic surgery today and support complex procedures. The system's unique unified architecture, surgical instrumentation powered by Ethicon expertise, and future connection to the Polyphonic digital ecosystem are designed to meet the needs of each patient's care and each surgeon's clinical approach.