Mr. Guthart joined Intuitive Surgical, Inc. in April 1996 and became Vice President, Engineering in November 1999. He was promoted to Sr. Vice President, Product Operations in 2002 and President and Chief Operating Officer in 2006. Previously, Mr. Guthart was part of the core team developing foundation technology for computer enhanced-surgery at SRI International (formerly Stanford Research Institute). Mr. Guthart holds MS and Ph.D. degrees in Engineering Science from the California Institute of Technology and a BS degree in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

Alan Levy, Director and Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee said, "This announcement is the result of a succession plan that has been in process for the past several years. On behalf of Intuitive Surgical's Board of Directors, we would like to thank Lonnie for his tireless efforts to make Intuitive Surgical the truly unique and successful company that it has become. Lonnie has done an incredible job leading the company from its earliest stages and is leaving his post as CEO with the Company well-positioned for future success. We look forward to his continued leadership as Chairman."

About Intuitive's Products

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Nasdaq:ISRG), headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is the global technology leader in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery. Intuitive Surgical develops, manufactures and markets robotic technologies designed to improve clinical outcomes and help patients return more quickly to active and productive lives. The Company's mission is to extend the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible base of patients. Intuitive Surgical - Taking surgery beyond the limits of the human hand(TM).

About the da Vinci(R) Surgical System

The da Vinci(R) System is a breakthrough surgical platform designed to enable complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach. The da Vinci(R) System consists of an ergonomic surgeon console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance vision system and proprietary EndoWrist(R) instruments. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic and computer technology, the da Vinci(R) System is designed to scale, filter and seamlessly translate the surgeon's hand movements into more precise movements of the EndoWrist(R) instruments. The net result is an intuitive interface with breakthrough surgical capabilities. By providing surgeons with superior visualization, enhanced dexterity, greater precision and ergonomic comfort, the da Vinci Surgical System makes it possible for more surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures involving complex dissection or reconstruction. This ultimately has the potential to raise the standard of care for complex surgeries, translating into numerous potential patient benefits, including less pain, a shorter recovery and quicker return to normal daily activities.

Intuitive(R), da Vinci(R), da Vinci S(R), da Vinci(R) Si(TM), InSite(R) and EndoWrist(R) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including the following: the impact of the global economic recession and tight credit market and related impact on health care spending; possible health care reform in the United States and its implications on hospital spending, reimbursement, and fees which may be levied on certain medical device companies; timing and success of product development and market acceptance of developed products; regulatory approvals, clearances and restrictions; guidelines and recommendations in the health care and patient communities; intellectual property positions and litigation; competition in the medical device industry and in the specific markets of surgery in which Intuitive Surgical operates; unanticipated manufacturing disruptions; delays in regulatory approvals of new manufacturing facilities or the inability to meet demand for products, the results of the year end audit, and the other factors detailed from time to time under the heading "Risk Factors" in our report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as updated from time to time by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements concerning forecasts, revenue growth, procedure growth, future financial results, and statements using words such as "estimate", "project", "plan", "intend", "expect", "anticipate", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Intuitive Surgical

CONTACT:  Intuitive Surgical
Ben Gong
408-523-2175

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Third quarter of 2009 systems revenue was $135.5 million, compared to $126.3 million during the third quarter of 2008. 86 da Vinci Surgical Systems were sold during the third quarter of 2009, compared to 91 sold during the third quarter of 2008. 70 of the 86 systems sold during the third quarter of 2009 were the new da Vinci Si model. In addition, 23 da Vinci S Surgical systems were field upgraded during the third quarter of 2009 to da Vinci Si models, including 13 related to the first quarter offers described above. Third quarter of 2009 systems revenue included recognition of $5.6 million of revenue that was originally deferred in the first quarter of 2009.

Third quarter of 2009 service revenue increased to $43.9 million from $33.7 million during the third quarter of 2008, reflecting growth in the installed base of da Vinci Surgical Systems. The Company ended the third quarter of 2009 with 1,308 da Vinci Surgical Systems installed throughout the world.

Third quarter of 2009 operating income increased to $104.5 million from $85.0 million during the third quarter of 2008, reflecting growth in revenue but also included the impact of recognizing $6.3 million of revenue that was originally deferred in the first quarter of 2009. Since there was no cost deferred in association with the deferred revenue, the $6.3 million of revenue recognized had an equal impact on total revenue, operating income and pretax income. Operating results for the third quarter of 2009 also included $24.6 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense compared with $21.0 million for the third quarter of 2008.

Third quarter of 2009 net income was $64.5 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, compared with $57.6 million, or $1.44 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2008. The $6.3 million of revenue recognized in the third quarter of 2009, related to revenue deferred in the first quarter, increased third quarter 2009 net income by approximately $3.8 million, or $0.09 per diluted share.

Intuitive ended the third quarter of 2009 with cash, cash equivalents and investments of $1,024 million, up $122 million from the previous quarter.

Commenting on the announcement, Lonnie Smith, Chairman and CEO of Intuitive Surgical, said, "We are pleased with our third quarter financial results, procedure growth, and system placements. Throughout these challenging economic times, patients, surgeons and hospitals have continued to recognize the value that our products bring to surgery and surgical outcomes."

The Company will also announce these results at a conference call today at 1:30 pm PDT. The dial-in numbers for the call are 877-909-3508 for participants located in the U.S. and 517-645-6051 for participants located outside the U.S. The passcode is ISRG and the meeting leader is Mr. Lonnie Smith. To access financial information that will be discussed on the call, please visit Intuitive Surgical's website at www.intuitivesurgical.com.

About Intuitive's Products

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Nasdaq:ISRG), headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is the global technology leader in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery. Intuitive Surgical develops, manufactures and markets robotic technologies designed to improve clinical outcomes and help patients return more quickly to active and productive lives. The Company's mission is to extend the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible base of patients. Intuitive Surgical - Taking surgery beyond the limits of the human hand(TM).

About the da Vinci(R) Surgical System

The da Vinci(R) System is a breakthrough surgical platform designed to enable complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach. The da Vinci(R) System consists of an ergonomic surgeon console or consoles, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance vision system and proprietary EndoWrist(R) instruments. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic and computer technology, the da Vinci(R) System is designed to scale, filter and seamlessly translate the surgeon's hand movements into more precise movements of the EndoWrist(R) instruments. The net result is an intuitive interface with breakthrough surgical capabilities. By providing surgeons with superior visualization, enhanced dexterity, greater precision and ergonomic comfort, the da Vinci Surgical System makes it possible for more surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures involving complex dissection or reconstruction. This ultimately has the potential to raise the standard of care for complex surgeries, translating into numerous potential patient benefits, including less pain, a shorter recovery and quicker return to normal daily activities.

Intuitive(R), da Vinci(R), da Vinci S(R), da Vinci(R) Si(TM) , InSite(R) and EndoWrist(R) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including the following: the impact of the global economic recession and tight credit market and related impact on health care spending; possible health care reform in the United States and its implications on hospital spending, reimbursement, and fees which may be levied on certain medical device companies; timing and success of product development and market acceptance of developed products; regulatory approvals, clearances and restrictions; guidelines and recommendations in the health care and patient communities; intellectual property positions and litigation; competition in the medical device industry and in the specific markets of surgery in which Intuitive Surgical operates; unanticipated manufacturing disruptions; delays in regulatory approvals of new manufacturing facilities or the inability to meet demand for products, the results of the year end audit, and the other factors detailed from time to time under the heading "Risk Factors" in our report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as updated from time to time by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements concerning forecasts, revenue growth, procedure growth, future financial results, and statements using words such as "estimate", "project", "plan", "intend", "expect", "anticipate", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

                        INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
          UNAUDITED QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

                                               Three months ended
                                          ----------------------------
                                          Sept. 30,  June 30, Sept. 30,
                                            2009      2009      2008
                                          --------  --------  --------

 Revenue:
  Instruments & Accessories               $100,822  $ 95,827  $ 75,941
  Systems                                  135,459   123,519   126,326
  Services                                  43,853    41,278    33,725
                                          --------  --------  --------
   Total revenue (1)                       280,134   260,624   235,992

 Cost of revenue:
  Products                                  65,336    55,542    53,517
  Services                                  15,794    14,897    12,900
                                          --------  --------  --------
   Total cost of revenue (2)                81,130    70,439    66,417

  Gross profit                             199,004   190,185   169,575

 Operating expenses:
  Selling, general and administrative       69,863    67,276    62,692
  Research and development (3)              24,650    23,369    21,851
                                          --------  --------  --------
   Total operating expenses (2)             94,513    90,645    84,543

 Income from operations                    104,491    99,540    85,032

 Interest and other income, net              4,362     5,171     4,594
                                          --------  --------  --------
 Income before income taxes                108,853   104,711    89,626
 Provision for income taxes                 44,329    42,323    32,032
                                          --------  --------  --------
 Net lncome                               $ 64,524  $ 62,388  $ 57,594
                                          ========  ========  ========
 Earnings per share:
   Basic                                  $   1.69  $   1.65  $   1.48
                                          ========  ========  ========
   Diluted (1)                            $   1.64  $   1.62  $   1.44
                                          ========  ========  ========
 Shares used in computing earnings per
  share:
   Basic                                    38,083    37,897    39,015
                                          ========  ========  ========
   Diluted                                  39,245    38,557    40,108
                                          ========  ========  ========


 (1) The Company offered certain customers the opportunity to upgrade
     the da Vinci S Surgical Systems purchased during the first quarter
     of 2009 to the recently introduced da Vinci Si Surgical Systems,
     at a discount from the list price of the upgrade.  These
     customers were also given the opportunity to return certain da
     Vinci S accessories in exchange for da Vinci Si accessories.
     The customers were given until June 30, 2009 to accept the offer.
     As of March 31, 2009, the Company had deferred $20.1 million
     associated with these offers.

     In the second quarter of 2009, the Company recognized $13.8
     million of revenue originally deferred in the first quarter and
     associated with offers declined, upgrades completed or accessories
     delivered. Excluding the $13.8 million of revenue recognized, the
     total revenue and diluted earnings per share during the three
     months ended June 30, 2009 was $246.8 million and $1.40,
     respectively.

     In the third quarter of 2009, the Company recognized the
     remaining $6.3 million of revenue originally deferred in the
     first quarter and associated with upgrades completed or
     accessories delivered. Excluding the $6.3 million of revenue
     recognized, the total revenue and diluted earnings per share
     during the three months ended September 30, 2009 was $273.9
     million and $1.55, respectively.

 (2) Includes stock compensation expense of $3.7 million, $3.6 million,
     and $3.1 million in total cost of revenue and $20.9 million, $21.0
     million, and $17.9 million in total operating expenses for the
     three months ended September 30, 2009, June 30, 2009, and
     September 30, 2008, respectively.

 (3) Includes amortization of purchased intellectual property of $3.6
     million, $3.8 million and $2.5 million in research and development
     expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2009, June 30,
     2009, and September 30, 2008, respectively.

                       INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
    UNAUDITED NINE MONTHS ENDED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

                                                    Nine months ended
                                                      September 30,
                                                  --------------------
                                                     2009       2008
                                                  --------------------


 Revenue:
  Instruments & Accessories                        $276,177   $211,414
  Systems                                           328,500    341,584
  Services                                          124,453     90,376
                                                   --------   --------
   Total revenue                                    729,130    643,374

 Cost of revenue:
  Products                                          166,144    148,405
  Services                                           45,093     39,532
                                                   --------   --------
   Total cost of revenue (1)                        211,237    187,937

  Gross profit                                      517,893    455,437

 Operating expenses:
  Selling, general and administrative               199,505    168,830
  Research and development (2)                       69,331     58,509
                                                   --------   --------
   Total operating expenses (1)                     268,836    227,339

 Income from operations                             249,057    228,098

 Interest and other income, net                      14,549     18,843
                                                   --------   --------

 Income before income taxes                         263,606    246,941
 Provision for income taxes                         108,552     93,384
                                                   --------   --------
 Net Income                                        $155,054   $153,557
                                                   ========   ========
 Earnings per share:
   Basic                                           $   4.05   $   3.96
                                                   ========   ========
   Diluted (1)                                     $   3.97   $   3.84
                                                   ========   ========


 Shares used in computing earnings per share:
   Basic                                             38,287     38,790
                                                   ========   ========
   Diluted                                           39,046     39,978
                                                   ========   ========

 (1) Includes stock compensation expense of $10.6 million and $8.3
     million in total cost of revenue and $61.4 million and $47.0
     million in total operating expenses for the nine months ended
     September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 (2) Includes amortization of purchased intellectual property of
     $10.8 million and $5.8 million in research and development
     expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008,
     respectively.

                        INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
            UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                            (IN THOUSANDS)

                                     9/30/2009   6/30/2009  12/31/2008
                                    ----------  ----------  ----------
 Cash, cash equivalents, and
  investments                       $1,023,984  $  902,061  $  901,873
 Accounts receivable, net              186,530     175,216     170,107
 Inventory                              56,646      59,247      63,460
 Property and equipment, net           122,865     122,584     117,021
 Goodwill                              110,740     110,740     110,740
 Deferred tax assets                    60,257      53,423      45,357
 Other assets                           76,789      78,011      66,066
                                    ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total assets                      $1,637,811  $1,501,282  $1,474,624
                                    ==========  ==========  ==========

 Accounts payable and other accrued
  liabilities                       $  155,924  $  140,589  $  128,606
 Deferred revenue                       91,625      89,509      79,252
                                    ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total liabilities                    247,549     230,098     207,858
 Stockholders' equity                1,390,262   1,271,184   1,266,766
                                    ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total liabilities and
   stockholders' equity             $1,637,811  $1,501,282  $1,474,624
                                    ==========  ==========  ==========

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Intuitive Surgical

CONTACT:  Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
Ben Gong
408-523-2175
Laura Lee Luna
408-523-2161