Applied Medical is a global medical device company that provides access, closure, and visualization solutions that advance minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Their devices and procedures improve patient outcomes by reducing pain, scarring, and recovery time. Some quick answers about Applied Medical:
History
Applied Medical was founded in 1987 by Said Hilal and Eugene Chen with the goal of improving surgical access and techniques. The company is headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California and has over 900 employees worldwide.
Products
Applied Medical’s product lines include:
- Access Devices – Trocar systems, ports, retractors, and other tools to provide access and maintain openings during minimally invasive surgery.
- Closure Devices – Sutures, clips, and balloon trocars for closing surgical incisions and port sites.
- Visualization Devices – Camera systems, light sources, insufflators, and other visualization aids for laparoscopic surgery.
Some of Applied Medical’s key products include:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| VersaStep | Reusable trocar system with expandable cannula accommodating instruments 5-12mm in diameter. |
| GelPort | Laparoscopic wound retractor and gel cap that provides access and retraction. |
| V-Loc | Barbed suture solution for abdominal wall closure. |
| Alexis | Wound protector and retractor with integrated hinged ring design. |
Technologies
Some of the key technologies developed by Applied Medical include:
- Gel Technology – Gel ports seal securely and allow easy instrument exchange without loss of pneumoperitoneum.
- MicroCutter Technology – Proprietary suture technology that provides improved strength, flexibility, and knotting.
- Direct Vision Technology – Camera systems that provide direct visualization within the surgical cavity.
- Spider Elastic Technology – Self-retaining retractor technology that provides stable and adjustable access.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Applied Medical specializes in devices for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) which include:
- Laparoscopic Surgery – Surgery performed through small incisions using cameras and instruments.
- Robotic Surgery – Computer-assisted surgery using specialized instruments mounted on robotic arms.
- Single-Incision Surgery – Surgery through one small incision in the navel.
Compared to open surgery, benefits of MIS include smaller incisions, less pain, lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.
Clinical Focus Areas
Applied Medical devices are used in the following surgical specialties:
- General Surgery – Hernia repair, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, etc.
- Gynecology – Hysterectomy, oophorectomy, myomectomy, etc.
- Urology – Prostatectomy, nephrectomy, cystectomy, etc.
- Bariatric – Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding.
- Colorectal – Colectomy, proctectomy, stoma reversal.
Partnerships
Applied Medical partners with healthcare providers worldwide to improve MIS through training, education, and integrating their devices. Some partnerships include:
- SAGES – Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
- EAES – European Association of Endoscopic Surgery
- AAGL – American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
- Leading hospitals and academic medical centers
Quality and Safety
Applied Medical follows strict quality system regulations and is FDA registered, ISO 13485 certified, and CE marked. Their devices go through rigorous biocompatibility, sterility, packaging, and other testing to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Financial Performance
As a private company, Applied Medical does not disclose full financials. However, they have experienced steady growth and are estimated to generate around $500 million in annual revenue. Key financial highlights include:
- Double digit revenue growth annually since 2004.
- Profitable every year since 1991.
- Over 90% of revenue from proprietary products.
- Sales in over 75 countries worldwide.
Competitors
Applied Medical competes with large healthcare companies that also provide surgical devices and solutions for MIS, including:
- Johnson & Johnson
- Medtronic
- Stryker
- Olympus
- Ethicon (subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson)
However, Applied Medical differentiates itself through its specialized focus on access, closure, and visualization for laparoscopic and minimally invasive techniques.
Conclusion
In summary, Applied Medical is a pioneering company that has helped enable the growth of minimally invasive surgery over the past 30+ years. Their access, closure, and visualization products have made MIS procedures safer, easier, and more widely accessible for millions of patients. Through continued innovation and partnerships, Applied Medical aims to further advance MIS and improve surgical care worldwide.
