Photos: First look at J&J's Ottava surgical robot

Johnson & Johnson MedTech unveiled its long-awaited Ottava surgical robot after winning FDA de novo authorization. It’s the world’s first table-integrated, soft-tissue robotics system.

The robot-in-table design is meant to save space in the operating room, with J&J saying its novel architecture takes up 30-50% less space than boom-and-cart systems.

“Ottava’s robotic arms are built directly into the operating table and can be tucked beneath it when not in use, reducing friction and opening space to support clinical workflow,” the company says.

“Software, motors and sensors coordinate the system’s four robotic arms, allowing Ottava to move into predefined procedural positions at the push of a button,” the company continued. “By automating portions of setup and breakdown, the system is designed to save time, simplify workflows, and create a more consistent experience for surgical teams.”

At the business end of the robotic arms, J&J says it “reimagined every detail of the most commonly used instruments in robotic surgery,” pointing to two key improvements.

Citing a survey that found 83% of surgeons reported at least one inadvertent suture cut per month in their robotic surgeries, J&J developed a two-in-one needle driver with a surgeon-activated “cut only” and “suture only” modes.

And citing another survey that found 98% of surgeons reported dull or poorly cutting monopolar scissors (and 30% “experiencing this all or most of the time”), J&J said it used a patented scissor design that “maintains blade alignment for a consistent, complete cut, even when taking small bites during sharp dissection using the distal 1/3 of the jaw.”

The surgeon controlling those instruments works in a console where they can “sit upright while maintaining access to the full workspace.”

J&J says it designed the console for natural posture to minimize eye and neck strain and designed the controls “to capture and convey precise surgical movement.”

Surgeons can save personalized settings that are available when they log into the console.

Like J&J’s Monarch robotics-assisted bronchoscopy system, Ottava works with the Polyphonic digital ecosystem for procedure data collection, training, collaboration and research.

The Ottava system’s initial indications cover general surgical procedures including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastrectomy, cholecystectomy, splenectomy, gastric sleeve, small bowel resection, appendectomy, lysis of adhesions, fundoplication, and hiatal hernia repair.