Intuitive Surgical says lower growth rate reflects ongoing China/Japan challenge

In its Q1 conference call, the company states: “Da Vinci procedures grew 19%, led by continued strength in general surgery and gynecology. As adoption expands beyond urology, the lower growth rate relative to prior quarters reflects ongoing challenges in China and Japan. The environment remains largely consistent with recent quarters, reflecting relatively low tender activity across the category. Domestic competition and policy-driven pricing pressure. Given our belief in the long-term opportunity, we continue to make investments to improve procedure growth, establish favorable patient charge codes, and support other market access activities.”