Medtronic has entered a strategic partnership with Hong Kong-headquartered Cornerstone Robotics, investing approximately $700 million and securing rights to distribute the company’s Sentire surgical system in select markets outside the U.S.
Cornerstone Robotics develops technologies for minimally invasive surgery. Its CE-marked Sentire system is a multi-port robotic-assisted surgery platform designed for minimally invasive general, gynecologic, thoracic and urologic procedures. The platform includes an immersive console and dual-console capability and has also received regulatory approval in China and Singapore.
Under the partnership, Medtronic will distribute Sentire in approved international markets alongside its existing Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system. Hugo received FDA clearance in 2025 to support physicians controlling surgical instruments during minimally invasive urologic procedures in adult patients.
Medtronic said it will continue developing and commercializing Hugo, with planned capabilities including software upgrades, real-time artificial intelligence, integrated stapling, additional instruments and broader clinical indications.
"Our strategy is focused on driving the next generation of minimally invasive surgery, one of our biggest growth opportunities," said Matt Anderson, senior vice president and president of surgical at Medtronic.
"With Sentire complementing the Hugo RAS system, Medtronic will be the only company offering this two-platform portfolio combined with our surgical ecosystem – giving customers more access, more choice and flexible solutions that fit their clinical and operational needs."
Separately, Medtronic announced a strategic investment of up to $80 million in Pi-Cardia, which develops technologies for structural heart disease. The agreement provides Medtronic with an option to acquire Pi-Cardia after predefined milestones are reached.
Pi-Cardia’s FDA-cleared ShortCut device is designed for leaflet modification during valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures where patients face a risk of coronary obstruction. Medtronic is expected to become ShortCut’s exclusive global commercial distributor in 2027, using its Structural Heart organization to expand availability across the U.S., Europe, Japan and additional markets. The transactions remain subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Click here for the original news story.
