Robotic Surgery Set for Rapid Expansion in Mexico

Q: Last year, you mentioned that your primary goal was to continue doubling the number of lives you impact. What progress have you made toward this goal, and what are the next steps?

A: We are pleased because we continue to increase the number of lives we touch. We have remained focused on the same objective: reaching more patients. We have new technologies that enable us to reach patients with specific needs. For example, we recently launched our robotic surgery platform, Hugo RAS, a system designed for soft-tissue robotic procedures. With this, we are now fully entering the field of robotic surgery. We also introduced a new pacemaker that will allow us to support patients we previously could not assist, as there is a percentage of patients who are not candidates for the procedure because they do not meet the necessary clinical conditions. But our new pacemaker, designed for some of these patients, is now available on the market. We also launched PFA, which enables cardiovascular correction in significantly less time compared to previous techniques that relied on more complex mapping processes.

Overall, the therapies we are introducing allow us to expand the number of patients we can reach and the number of lives we impact. In the past five years, we have doubled the number of patients we serve. If we are able to double the number of patients again in the next five years, we will have fulfilled our objectives.

Q: How have new collaborations translated into opportunities within the healthcare ecosystems you support?

A: In Mexico, we have been able to ensure continuous supply for patients and healthcare ecosystems. Although certain public health processes were modified, we successfully adapted to the new requirements and aligned our operations with their needs. As a result, we continue supplying institutions such as IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS-Bienestar. We remain active partners even as the government changes its procurement models, and we have been able to position ourselves as a reliable ally throughout this transition.

We have also been working closely with the private sector. For example, we collaborated with hospitals during the launch of Hugo RAS, our robotic surgery platform, to ensure they understood the technology. Micra, our pacemaker, is another example. It eliminates the need for a hospital bed and significantly changes internal logistics, while completely transforming the patient experience. We support hospitals in adapting these processes to enable successful implantation.

We must form strong partnerships to continue integrating into both private and public healthcare ecosystems. Our role extends beyond providing technology. The entire surrounding process must be aligned, and we remain committed to supporting and collaborating so these innovations can truly reach patients.

Q: How will Medtronic’s newly-launched robot-assisted surgery system shape the future of patient care?

A: In the private sector, we will see a rapid evolution in robotic surgery. Ideally, the public sector will adopt it as well. The government has already made acquisitions, and there are several robotic systems operating within public institutions. ISSSTE has announced changes regarding the acquisition of robotic surgery equipment, and IMSS is also considering expanding its use of robotic systems. In the United States, between 35% and 40% of surgeries are performed using robots. Soft-tissue procedures, particularly thoracic surgeries, are already predominantly completed using robotic technology.

Robotic surgery provides greater precision and significantly reduces patient discomfort. In traditional laparoscopic or open procedures, the physician must reposition certain organs to access the area requiring intervention. Additionally, any penetration of the body, even through minimally invasive methods, disrupts the internal pressure that maintains homeostasis, creating physiological imbalances for the patient. Robotic surgery minimizes this impact. The system allows the procedure to be performed with far less manipulation. With greater precision comes better protection of the surrounding anatomy, resulting in faster recovery times. 

Robotic surgery is evolving in the country. Mexico has about over 5,000 clinics and hospitals. If even 40% of these operating rooms were equipped with robotic systems, the impact on productivity, physician training, and overall surgical quality would be profound. This evolution will improve safety, increase efficiency, and ultimately benefit the patient. While initially expensive, as procedure volume grows and robotic surgery becomes more widely adopted, costs become increasingly competitive. There is still a gap due to equipment investments and physician training requirements, but the priority must be expanding the number of physicians who can enhance their skills through robotic surgery.

Q: What clinical or operational changes do you expect from the introduction of Medtronic’s Pulsed Field Ablation System in electrophysiology centers in the country?

A: Pulsed field ablation allows for a significant improvement in cardiac care because it is performed in much less time. Previously, procedures were carried out using cryoablation, which relies on freezing tissue to create the ablation. While that method has certain advantages, it requires considerably more time. 

Another approach involves mapping through CARTO systems, which guide the procedure based on detailed anatomical and electrical information. Pulsed field ablation, however, is far more efficient. It delivers a more effective result in a shorter period and can correct the underlying pathology much faster. Physicians appreciate this advancement because it enables a quicker, more streamlined procedure, improving both workflow and outcomes.

Q: How do you ensure that the company’s global innovations are effectively localized to meet the clinical, regulatory, and operational requirements of the Mexican market?

A: The technology is available. What requires localization is everything surrounding it: physician training, implementation processes, and the pathway that brings the technology into the operating room. In Mexico, not all hospitals have access to the full range of technologies, so logistical adjustments are necessary. To successfully introduce any new technology, the most important element is having physicians who can train other physicians. This enables broader adoption and ensures that clinicians understand the advantages the technology provides.

The sector needs physicians who can teach in their own language, who know how to assess and manage the patient, and who can accurately identify the right candidate for the therapy. This is where the true value lies in making these technologies available in the country.

Q: What is the biggest challenge the Mexican healthcare system faces?

A: The system has continued to evolve. This governmental administration introduced significant changes, and the Ministry of Health has implemented new procurement processes. However, some of these changes were made without all the necessary information. For example, in certain cases the projected consumption was overestimated, while actual demand turned out to be lower. In other instances, certain technologies required specific components that were no longer available. Some products previously purchased by institutions are no longer cost-effective for companies to manufacture or import. This creates challenges. 

We must work closely with the authorities to help integrate new technologies and to ensure that emerging therapies can eventually be incorporated into tenders. The technology may exist, but if it is not included in public tenders, it will never reach the public system and therefore never reach the patients. This is why all the preliminary work is essential.

The number of private hospitals has also increased across the country. The question is how to ensure these technologies are correctly used in private institutions. Our responsibility as a leading technology provider is to evolve as the market evolves. We are making a deliberate effort to accelerate our own transformation and to adapt to keep pace with new requirements, new hospital models, and new expectations. We cannot be complacent and assume that technology will sell itself. Instead, we must ask ourselves what must be done to ensure these technologies truly reach patients.

Q: What lessons from the past year will influence Medtronic’s actions in the Mexican market going forward?

A: Supply management and the administrative requirements of public institutions are fundamental. We now have a much clearer understanding of the challenges involved in supplying government entities. Public institutions are undergoing administrative transitions. For example, IMSS-Bienestar did not previously operate as a unified entity, but over the past year and a half it has evolved to function as one. It is implementing new processes and structures, and we must acknowledge and adapt to that learning curve.

In the private sector, we must continue accelerating our efforts to provide better service. The market is evolving, demanding more service and seeking stronger, more reliable partners.

Medtronic is a global pioneer in healthcare technology, addressing humanity's most daunting health challenges through innovative solutions that significantly impact lives.