The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance for Intuitive's Vessel Sealer Curved, an advanced energy instrument for use with the company’s multiport da Vinci surgical systems.

This marks the first of the company’s energy instruments to be cleared for the transection of lymphatic vessels.

The fully wristed bipolar electrosurgical instrument is engineered to provide multifunctionality and precision in surgical procedures.

Its design features a curved, slim jaw that follows anatomical contours, enhancing visibility and control in confined areas and near critical structures.

The mechanical blade of the instrument is positioned to cut near the tip.

According to the company, the clearance covers the instrument’s usage for grasping and blunt tissue dissection, bipolar coagulation, and mechanical transection of blood vessels, including veins and arteries up to 7mm in diameter, lymphatic vessels, and tissue bundles that fit in its jaws.

However, it is not indicated for use in tubal sterilisation or coagulation procedures.

Intuitive's da Vinci platforms and product operations general manager and senior vice-president Iman Jeddi said: “We designed Vessel Sealer Curved to give surgeons greater precision in narrow anatomical spaces.

“By combining the trusted performance of Vessel Sealer Extend with a slimmer, curved jaw profile, we’re helping surgeons work more efficiently and confidently across a wide range of procedures.”

Intuitive’s da Vinci surgical systems, which include various models, are tailored to facilitate minimally invasive surgery. They provide surgeons with robotic and computer assistance, 3D vision, and a magnified view.

The systems leverage specialised instruments, including a miniaturised surgical camera and wristed tools such as scalpels, forceps and scissors, which aid in dissection and reconstruction within the body.