Da Vinci Xi Surgical System (China-Manufactured)

The China-manufactured da Vinci Xi represents the first da Vinci surgical system produced outside the United States, bringing Intuitive Surgical’s fourth-generation platform to local production at Intuitive Fosun’s Shanghai facility.

Product Overview

Registered as “Thoracoabdominal Endoscopic Surgical Control System” (胸腹腔内窥镜手术控制系统) under NMPA registration number 国械注准20233010800, this locally manufactured system maintains technical parity with imported da Vinci Xi units. The system received approval in June 2023, with the first production unit unveiled in October 2023.

Local manufacturing aims to improve da Vinci accessibility in China through reduced costs and localized supply chains while maintaining the established clinical performance that has supported over 14 million procedures globally across the da Vinci platform.

Key Features

At 13–20 million RMB — roughly half the price of imported units — the Shanghai-manufactured da Vinci Xi maintains full fourth-generation specifications including Firefly fluorescence imaging and dual-console capability.

• Four Robotic Arms: Independent arm positioning enables multi-quadrant access and optimal instrument triangulation
• 3D HD Vision System: 10x magnification with dual cameras provides immersive depth perception for the operating surgeon
• EndoWrist Instrumentation: 7 degrees of freedom with 90-degree articulation exceeds natural wrist range of motion
• Firefly Fluorescence Imaging: Near-infrared imaging for enhanced tissue visualization and perfusion assessment
• Integrated Table Motion: Synchronized movement between patient cart and operating table maintains optimal positioning
• Tremor Filtration: Electronic stabilization eliminates hand tremors for precise tissue manipulation

Technical Specifications

At 10x magnification with 3D HD vision, four independent arms, and 7-DOF EndoWrist instruments in 8mm diameter, the China-manufactured Xi covers five surgical specialties from its Zhangjiang, Shanghai production facility.

System Components

Surgeon Console: Ergonomic seated position with 3D HD viewer, hand controllers with haptic feedback, and foot pedal controls for energy devices and camera adjustment.

Patient Cart: Ceiling-mounted or floor-mounted boom supporting four interactive robotic arms with quick-change instrument ports.

Vision Cart: Houses image processing systems, light source, insufflator, and electrosurgical generator with integrated touchscreen interface.

Clinical Applications

The system supports minimally invasive procedures across multiple specialties:

Urology: Radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical cystectomy, pyeloplasty General Surgery: Cholecystectomy, colorectal resection, hernia repair, bariatric procedures Gynecology: Hysterectomy, myomectomy, sacrocolpopexy, endometriosis excision Thoracic Surgery: Lobectomy, segmentectomy, thymectomy, mediastinal tumor resection Pediatric Surgery: Age-appropriate minimally invasive procedures

Regulatory Status

The locally manufactured system holds domestic medical device registration, distinct from imported da Vinci systems which carry import registration numbers. Production license was obtained in August 2023.

Manufacturing & Quality

Production occurs at Intuitive Fosun’s Shanghai Zhangjiang facility, which commenced operations in June 2024. Initial annual capacity targets 300 systems. Manufacturing follows Intuitive Surgical’s global quality standards under technology licensing arrangements.

Localization efforts extend to the supply chain, with increasing percentages of components sourced from Chinese suppliers. This approach supports the goal of reducing system costs while maintaining performance specifications.

Training & Support

Intuitive Fosun operates 7 regional training centers across China and has established training partnerships with over 20 Grade 3A hospitals. The company’s Innovation Center in Shanghai provides full training including:

• Simulation training on SimNow platforms
• Cadaveric and live animal surgical practice
• Certification programs with globally recognized credentials
• Ongoing clinical support from dedicated field teams

Over 15,000 medical professionals have completed da Vinci training through Intuitive Fosun programs.

Market Position

As of 2024, the da Vinci system maintains significant market presence in China with over 460 cumulative installations across 300+ hospitals. The locally manufactured version enters a competitive landscape that includes domestic alternatives from MicroPort MedBot, Edge Medical, and others, while offering the clinical validation of over 700,000 procedures performed in China.

Pricing for locally manufactured units reportedly ranges from 13-20 million RMB, compared to approximately 35 million RMB for imported systems, though still premium to most domestic competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What procedures can the da Vinci Xi perform?

The system is approved for laparoscopic procedures in urology (prostatectomy, nephrectomy), general surgery (colorectal, hernia), gynecology (hysterectomy, myomectomy), thoracic surgery (lobectomy), and pediatric surgery. Specific procedure suitability depends on patient factors and surgeon training.

How does the China-manufactured version differ from imported da Vinci Xi?

The locally manufactured system uses the same fourth-generation Xi technology platform and specifications as imported units. Key differences relate to manufacturing location (Shanghai vs. US), regulatory classification (domestic vs. import registration), and pricing (lower cost through local production).

What is the expected system lifespan and maintenance cost?

Da Vinci systems typically operate for 10+ years with proper maintenance. Annual service and maintenance costs in China are estimated at approximately 14 million RMB, with consumable instrument costs adding to per-procedure expenses.