Intuitive Surgical falls after FDA flags stapler problem tied to four injuries, one death

Intuitive Surgical

18/03/2026 15:18

** Shares of medical device maker Intuitive Surgical ISRG.O down 1.1% at $477.5

** US FDA says it is aware that Intuitive Surgical has alerted customers about a problem involving certain curved‑tip staplers used with its da Vinci robotic surgery system, after reports of incomplete staple lines during procedures on blood vessels

** As of February 23, Intuitive Surgical reported four serious injuries and one death linked to the issue, according to the FDA

** An incomplete staple line on a vessel can leave the tissue fully cut and exposed, causing bleeding that may require surgeons to convert from a minimally invasive procedure to an open surgery technique, the agency says

** Stock has been down 15.7% YTD

 (Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole)

 ((siddhi.mahatole@thomsonreuters.com))