Intuitive Surgical and Dextera Surgical (formerly Cardica) have signed agreement to develop a surgical stapler and cartridge for Intuitive’s da Vinci robotic surgical system. The agreement, follows an agreement from January 2016, under which Intuitive Surgical paid Dextera US$2 million to extend its rights to improvements in Dextera’s stapling technology and certain patents until August 2018, and to provide for a feasibility evaluation period of up to six months.

This included a feasibility evaluation that allowed Intuitive Surgical to test and evaluate Dextera’s MicroCutter 5/80. Upon completion the evaluation, Intuitive Surgical had the option to initiate a joint development programme for an 8mm surgical stapling cartridge for use with the da Vinci Surgical System.

“This partnership with Intuitive Surgical is a significant step in the progress we have achieved in enhancing and expanding the long term opportunity of the MicroCutter technology,” said Dextera Surgical’s CEO, Julian Nikolchev. “Intuitive Surgical is a leader in advancing robotic and minimally invasive surgery, and we believe Dextera and MicroCutter technology will have a strong role to play in these types of procedures in the future.”

Intuitive Surgical will take charge of development work for the robotic-compatible stapler system, while Dextera will focus on developing the stapler cartridge for the device.

“For more than 20 years, we have focused on delivering high-value solutions that improve surgical outcomes,” said Intuitive Surgical instrument engineering senior VP, Bob DeSantis. “Working to integrate MicroCutter technology and expand our stapling product offerings will only enhance that effort.”