• Installed for the first time in Korea at Seoul National University Hospital… Treatment, research, and education using Hugo to be fully launched in Korea
• Hugo RAS system expected to be utilized in various surgical procedures, including urological surgery, gynecological surgery, and wide variety of General Surgery procedures

Seoul – May 15, 2025 – Medtronic plc, a global leader in healthcare technology, has introduced its Hugo™ robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system for the first time in Korea at Seoul National University Hospital. This marks a significant milestone as the system is now adopted into patient treatment, research, and education in Korea. On May 8th, Hugo was first utilized in prostatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy. It is expected to be widely used in various surgical procedures in the future, including urological surgery, gynecological surgery, and a wide variety of General Surgery.

The Hugo RAS system represents the latest advancement in robotic surgery system, embodying the expertise of Medtronic in surgery. Its modular structure and portable design allow it to move seamlessly between operating rooms as needed. With up to four robotic arms operating independently, it can be effectively positioned and utilized in complex surgical environments. Unlike traditional console designs where the surgeon’s face is fixed to the console during surgery, the Hugo RAS system adopts an open console with a 33-inch 3D display, enabling the surgeon and other medical staff to view the surgery scene simultaneously, fostering open communication. In the future, it will be available in conjunction with other surgical tools from Medtronic, which are widely used in minimally invasive surgery.

On the 8th, Professor Chang Wook Jeong (Director of the Robotic Surgery Center at Seoul National University Hospital) from the Department of Urology and Professor Jin-young Jang from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery performed prostatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy using Hugo, respectively. Professor Jin-young Jang, who performed the pancreaticoduodenectomy surgery, stated, "It is significant that we utilized Hugo for pancreaticoduodenectomy, which requires precise resection and anastomosis and is considered the most challenging abdominal surgery." He added, "I hope that the scope of Hugo's application will gradually expand to various surgical fields, contributing to the treatment of more patients."

Professor Chang Wook Jeong, Director of the Robotic Surgery Center, performed the prostatectomy and stated, "The open console, which facilitates communication with other medical staff during robotic surgery, is anticipated to be highly beneficial for future surgical training." He further remarked, "Seoul National University Hospital's Robotic Surgery Center will not only investigate various clinical applications of Hugo but also aim to develop into a globally recognized center in robotic surgery research and education."

The Hugo RAS system was approved in Korea in 2024 for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries, including prostatectomy and cholecystectomy. Hugo is currently used in urological, gynecological, and general surgery procedures in more than 25 countries across five continents, with nearly 250 academic papers published to date about the system. The introduction of the Hugo RAS system will further expand access to robotic-assisted surgery in Korea, where approximately 60,000 robotic surgeries are performed annually.

Rok Yoo, VP, Medtronic Korea Ltd., stated, “We are excited to bring the clinical value of the Hugo RAS system to patients and healthcare professionals in Korea. This is an important milestone that will accelerate the reach of robotic surgery in the country, following the opening of the Medtronic Robotic Surgery Research and Training Center in Korea last year. It is also a meaningful step in strengthening the surgical skills and research capabilities of Korean surgeons, who are among the best in the world.” He added, “As a leading company who has driven technological innovation in surgery, we will continue to provide a comprehensive surgical ecosystem centered on patients and healthcare professionals.

About Medtronic Korea

Medtronic Korea Ltd., the subsidiary of Medtronic, has been a part of Korea’s journey toward advancing its healthcare landscape for over 37 years, beginning with the establishment of its liaison office in 1987 and its incorporation as a legal entity in 2000. With approximately 500 employees, the company delivers innovative medical technologies, products, and services to patients and healthcare professionals throughout Korea. In 2013, Medtronic Korea opened the Medtronic Innovation Center in the Osong Advanced Medical Complex, Korea's first research and surgical skills training center for medical devices. Since then, the company has continued to invest in the country’s surgical research and educational infrastructure. The company has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” by various evaluation organizations for fostering a work environment that promotes the mutual growth of the company, its employees, and the local community.

About Medtronic 
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow us on LinkedIn. 

Contact:

Hyunsu Lee, Communications, Medtronic Korea

02-3404-3161

Ryan Weispfenning, Investor Relations, Medtronic

+1-763-505-4626

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.