ISRG's da Vinci Receives FDA Approval for Heart Surgery: Is TAM Expansion on the Horizon?

Intuitive Surgical Eyes Cardiac Surgery for Future Growth

Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) is charting a long-term expansion strategy for its da Vinci 5 robotic platform, with a particular focus on cardiac surgery. The company recently achieved a milestone by securing FDA approval for several heart procedures using da Vinci 5 with non-Force Feedback instruments. This marks an initial move to bring robotic technology into the complex field of cardiac care.

While the current market for robotic cardiac procedures is relatively small, leadership at Intuitive Surgical sees substantial potential for growth in the coming years. In 2025, around 17,000 heart surgeries worldwide were performed with earlier da Vinci models like the Si and Xi. However, the company estimates that the da Vinci 5 could be used in approximately 160,000 procedures each year in regions where it has regulatory clearance, such as the United States and South Korea.

Recognizing the challenges of minimally invasive heart surgery, Intuitive Surgical is taking a careful approach to entering this segment. The company plans a gradual rollout, emphasizing specialized training programs and partnerships with surgical organizations to ensure surgeons are well-prepared for robotic cardiac procedures. These efforts are designed to help hospitals establish robust and sustainable robotic heart surgery programs.

Looking ahead, Intuitive Surgical is investing in the development of new tools and technologies tailored for cardiac surgery, including Force Feedback instruments and other specialized accessories. The company is also enhancing its digital solutions to aid in surgical planning, provide real-time guidance during operations, and encourage broader adoption among surgeons.

Collectively, these initiatives suggest that while cardiac surgery may not contribute significantly to revenue in the short term, it could become a valuable growth avenue for Intuitive Surgical over time. As clinical outcomes, surgeon expertise, and technology continue to advance, the company’s total addressable market (TAM) could expand, further solidifying the da Vinci 5’s role in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery.

Updates from Industry Peers

Zimmer Biomet (ZBH) is leveraging its ROSA robotic platform as a foundation for long-term growth by broadening its clinical uses and integrating new technologies. The company reported robust sales of robotic systems and noted increased adoption of its technology and data solutions, signaling rising interest in robotic-assisted orthopedic procedures among hospitals.

Zimmer Biomet is also pushing forward with innovations like the ROSA Shoulder, aiming to address gaps in its product lineup and enable surgeons to perform more types of joint surgeries robotically. As ROSA’s applications expand to include knees, shoulders, and other orthopedic areas, the company expects robotics to capture a larger share of high-growth surgical markets, increasing both the number of eligible procedures and the overall market opportunity.

Stryker (SYK) is broadening the clinical reach of its Mako robotic system as it transitions to the Mako 4 platform. In 2025, Stryker achieved a record number of Mako installations, with its global base now surpassing 3,000 systems. The company also reported increased usage of Mako for hip and knee surgeries.

Stryker is expanding Mako’s indications to include advanced and revision hip surgeries, spine procedures, and a new shoulder application set to launch with Mako 4. By moving beyond traditional hip and knee operations, Stryker is significantly increasing the system’s procedural scope. These advancements are expected to boost the company’s robotic market potential and drive additional growth in its orthopedic implant business.

ISRG: Stock Performance, Valuation, and Analyst Estimates

Over the past six months, ISRG shares have climbed 12.9%, outperforming the broader medical instruments industry, which saw a 3.2% decline during the same period.

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From a valuation perspective, Intuitive Surgical is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 47.74, which is higher than the industry average but below its five-year median of 70.97. The company holds a Value Score of F from Zacks.

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Analysts project that Intuitive Surgical’s earnings in 2026 will rise by 12.7% compared to the previous year’s results.

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The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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