Da Vinci SP Single-Port Surgical System

The da Vinci SP (Single Port) system delivers three fully articulating instruments and a 3D HD endoscope through a single 25mm cannula, enabling robotic-assisted surgery through a single incision or natural orifice where multi-port approaches may be limited.

Product Overview

Designed to complement the multi-port da Vinci Xi platform, the SP system addresses clinical scenarios requiring narrow access—particularly urologic procedures and transoral approaches for head and neck surgery. The system received FDA clearance in 2014 and CE marking, with select imported units currently operating in China at institutions including PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital) and facilities in Macau.

In 2024, Intuitive Fosun announced that the da Vinci SP entered NMPA’s innovative medical device special review program (创新医疗器械特别审查程序), which provides accelerated regulatory review for qualifying breakthrough technologies. This milestone signals progress toward domestic registration and broader market availability in China.

Key Features

Designed for transoral and narrow-access urologic procedures, the da Vinci SP routes three fully articulating instruments and an articulating 3D HD camera through one 25mm cannula, restoring triangulation geometry inside the body.

• Single-Port Architecture: All instruments and camera pass through one 25mm cannula, enabling true single-incision surgery
• Fully Articulating Instruments: Three multi-jointed instruments maintain 7 degrees of freedom despite sharing a common entry point
• Articulating Endoscope: The 3D HD camera articulates independently, providing visualization angles impossible with rigid scopes
• Triangulation Within Body: Instruments spread and triangulate after entering the body cavity, restoring ergonomic working geometry
• Remote Center Technology: Instruments pivot around the entry point, minimizing port-site trauma
• Familiar Surgeon Interface: Uses the same surgeon console platform as da Vinci Xi for simplified training

Technical Specifications

Designed around a single 25mm cannula, the da Vinci SP delivers three 7-DOF articulating instruments and one articulating 3D HD endoscope through one robotic arm, sharing the same surgeon console as the Xi platform.

System Architecture

Single Arm Design: Unlike the Xi’s four independent arms, SP delivers all instrumentation through a single robotic arm. Three instrument channels and one camera channel are housed within the arm, with each element capable of independent articulation once deployed.

Elbow Joints: Instruments feature elbow joints that enable triangulation after passing through the common entry point, recreating the working geometry surgeons require for tissue manipulation and suturing.

Integrated Endoscope: The camera articulates with the same freedom as the instruments, allowing visualization angles that cannot be achieved with straight endoscopes, particularly valuable in confined anatomical spaces.

Clinical Applications

Urology (Primary indication):

• Radical prostatectomy via single-incision approach
• Reconstructive procedures in narrow pelvic anatomy
• Procedures where cosmesis is prioritized

Transoral Surgery:

• Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal tumors
• Access to posterior pharynx and larynx
• Natural orifice approach without external incisions

Colorectal Surgery:

• Single-incision approaches for select procedures
• Natural orifice transluminal surgery (NOTES) applications

Emerging Applications:

• Retroperitoneal approaches
• Single-site gynecologic procedures
• Complex reconstructive procedures requiring narrow access

Regulatory Status

The innovative device designation in China provides several advantages including priority review, regulatory consultation, and potential expedited approval timeline. However, specific approval date remains uncertain pending completion of the review process.

Current China Availability

Prior to domestic registration, limited imported SP units operate in China under special arrangements:

• PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital), Beijing
• Select facilities in Macau SAR

These installations provide clinical experience and surgeon training while domestic registration proceeds, positioning Intuitive Fosun for commercial launch upon approval.

Differentiation from Da Vinci Xi

The systems complement rather than replace each other, with SP offering advantages in specific anatomical scenarios while Xi remains the workhorse for general multi-port robotics.

Training Considerations

SP operation requires dedicated training beyond Xi certification due to the unique instrument dynamics and surgical approach:

• Single-port instrument handling differs from multi-port triangulation
• Camera articulation requires adapted visualization strategies
• Specific procedure protocols for TORS and single-incision approaches
• Proctoring recommended for initial clinical cases

Intuitive Fosun’s training centers include SP-specific curriculum for surgeons seeking to expand their robotic capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will da Vinci SP receive NMPA approval?

The system entered NMPA’s innovative medical device special review program in 2024, which provides accelerated review but does not guarantee a specific approval timeline. Approval could potentially occur within 12-24 months of entering the program, though actual timing depends on review progress and any additional data requirements.

How does single-port surgery compare to multi-port robotics?

Single-port surgery offers cosmetic advantages (single incision) and may enable procedures in anatomically constrained spaces. However, it requires specialized training and may not offer advantages for procedures well-suited to multi-port approaches. Patient selection and surgeon experience significantly influence outcomes.

Can SP perform all procedures that Xi performs?

No. SP is designed for specific applications where single-port access offers advantages—primarily urology, transoral head/neck surgery, and select narrow-access procedures. Xi remains more versatile for general multi-quadrant abdominal and thoracic surgery. Many programs maintain both platforms for appropriate case selection.