Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci S system receives regulatory approval in Japan

Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci S approved in Japan

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Robotic surgical device maker Intuitive Surgical Inc. said Friday its da Vinci S system received regulatory approval in Japan.

Da Vinci systems are used in heart surgeries, prostatectomies, hysterectomies and other procedures. Surgical procedures on the da Vinci system rose 49 percent during the third quarter. But sales were lagging, with a total of 86 systems, down from 91 a year ago.

Shares of Intuitive Surgical fell $1.34 to $277.34 in afternoon trading.