Also, as we are conducting IDE studies to support 510(k) submission for da Vinci platforms and for seeking new indications, we may experience delays in obtaining new product approvals, or clearances from the FDA or foreign approvals or certifications from foreign authorities or notified bodies or delays in recruiting patients in our ongoing and planned clinical studies.
Also, as we are conducting IDE studies to support 510(k) submission for da Vinci platforms and for seeking new indications, we may experience delays in obtaining new product approvals, clearances from the FDA, or approvals or certifications from foreign authorities or notified bodies, or we may experience delays in recruiting patients in our ongoing and planned clinical studies.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO LITIGATION, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO OUR PRODUCTS, OUR CUSTOMERS, OUR COMPETITORS, AND GOVERNMENT REGULATORS THAT COULD MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION, DIVERT MANAGEMENT’S ATTENTION, AND HARM OUR BUSINESS. We are, and may become, subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in or outside the ordinary course of business.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO LITIGATION, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO OUR PRODUCTS, CUSTOMERS, COMPETITORS, AND GOVERNMENT REGULATORS THAT COULD MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION, DIVERT MANAGEMENT’S ATTENTION, AND HARM OUR BUSINESS. We are, and may become, subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in or outside the ordinary course of business.
In Israel, The Protection of Privacy Law, 5741-1981 (the “Israeli Privacy Law”) regulates the protection of privacy and personal data, along with several other specific regulations enacted thereunder and, in particular, the Privacy Protection Regulations (Data Security), 5777-2017 (together with Israeli Privacy Law, the “Israeli Privacy Law and Regulations”).
In Israel, The Protection of Privacy Law, 5741-1981 (the “Israeli Privacy Law”) regulates the protection of privacy and personal data, along with several other specific regulations enacted thereunder and, in particular, the Privacy Protection Regulations (Data Security), 5777-2017 (together with Israeli Protection of Privacy Law, the “Israeli Privacy Law and Regulations”).
Refer to our risk factor titled “We are subject to litigation, investigations, and other legal proceedings relating to our products, our customers, our competitors, and government regulators that could materially adversely affect our financial condition, divert management’s attention, and harm our business.” Our distributors may affect our ability to effectively market our products in certain countries or regulatory jurisdictions if a distributor holds the regulatory authorization or certification in such countries or within such regions and causes, by action or inaction, the suspension of such marketing authorization or certification or sanctions for non-compliance.
Refer to our risk factor titled “We are subject to litigation, investigations, and other legal proceedings relating to our products, customers, competitors, and government regulators that could materially adversely affect our financial condition, divert management’s attention, and harm our business.” Our distributors may affect our ability to effectively market our products in certain countries or regulatory jurisdictions if a distributor holds the regulatory authorization or certification in such countries or within such regions and causes, by action or inaction, the suspension of such marketing authorization or certification or sanctions for non-compliance.
Shifts in weather patterns caused by climate change are expected to increase the frequency, severity, or duration of certain adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, droughts, extreme temperatures, or flooding, which could cause more significant business and supply chain interruptions, damage to our products and facilities as well as the infrastructure of hospitals, medical care facilities, and other customers, reduced workforce availability, increased costs of raw materials and components, increased liabilities, and decreased revenues than what we have experienced in the past from such events.
Shifts in weather patterns caused by climate change are expected to increase the frequency, severity, or duration of certain adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, droughts, extreme temperatures, or flooding, which could cause more significant business and supply chain interruptions, damage to our products and facilities as well as the infrastructure of hospitals, medical care facilities, and other customers, reduced workforce availability, increased costs or reduced supply of raw materials and components, increased liabilities, and decreased revenues than what we have experienced in the past from such events.
If such laws or regulations are more stringent than current legal or regulatory requirements, we may experience increased compliance burdens and costs to meet the regulatory obligations. Changes in requirements may adversely affect raw material sourcing from suppliers, our manufacturing operations and those of our suppliers, and the distribution of our products.
If such laws or regulations are more stringent than current legal or regulatory requirements, we may experience increased compliance burdens and costs to meet our regulatory obligations. Changes in requirements may adversely affect raw material sourcing from suppliers, our manufacturing operations and those of our suppliers, and the distribution of our products.
Because our products are commercially distributed, numerous quality and post-market regulatory requirements apply, including the following: • continued compliance with the FDA’s QSR, which requires manufacturers to follow design, testing, control, documentation, and other quality assurance procedures during the development and manufacturing process; • labeling regulations; • the FDA’s general prohibition against false or misleading statements in the labeling or promotion of products for unapproved or “off-label” uses; • stringent complaint reporting and Medical Device Reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers keep detailed records of investigations or complaints against their devices and report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur; • adequate use of the corrective and preventive actions process to identify and correct or prevent significant, systemic failures of products or processes or in trends which suggest the same; and • the reporting of corrections and removals, which requires that manufacturers report to the FDA recalls and field corrective actions taken to reduce a risk to health or to remedy a violation of the FFDCA that may pose a risk to health.
Because our products are commercially distributed, numerous quality and post-market regulatory requirements apply, including the following: • continued compliance with the FDA’s QSR, which requires manufacturers to follow design, testing, control, documentation, and other quality assurance procedures during the development and manufacturing process; • labeling regulations; • the FDA’s general prohibition against false or misleading statements in the labeling or promotion of products for unapproved or “off-label” uses; • stringent complaint reporting and Medical Device Reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers keep detailed records of investigations or complaints against their devices and report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur; • adequate use of the corrective and preventive actions process to identify and correct or prevent significant, systemic failures of products or processes or in trends that suggest the same; and • the reporting of corrections and removals, which requires that manufacturers report to the FDA recalls and field corrective actions taken to reduce a risk to health or to remedy a violation of the FFDCA that may pose a risk to health.
Our OUS operations are, and will continue to be, subject to a number of risks including: • the failure to obtain or maintain the same degree of protection against infringement of our intellectual property rights due to differing intellectual property protection laws in OUS countries from those in the U.S.; • multiple OUS regulatory requirements that are subject to change and that could impact our ability to manufacture and sell our products; • changes in tariffs, trade barriers, and regulatory requirements; • protectionist laws, policies, and business practices that favor local competitors or lead to non-U.S. customers favoring domestic technology solutions, which could slow our growth in OUS markets; • local or national regulations that make it difficult or impractical to market or use our products; • U.S. relations with the governments of the other countries in which we operate; • the inability or regulatory limitations on our ability to move goods across borders; • the risks associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; • the difficulty in establishing, staffing, and managing OUS operations, including differing labor relations; • the expense of establishing facilities and operations in new foreign markets; • the building and maintenance of an organization capable of supporting geographically dispersed operations, including appropriate business procedures and controls; 32 Table of Contents • anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S.
Our OUS operations are, and will continue to be, subject to a number of risks including: • the failure to obtain or maintain the same degree of protection against infringement of our intellectual property rights due to differing intellectual property protection laws in OUS countries from those in the U.S.; • multiple OUS regulatory requirements that are subject to change and that could impact our ability to manufacture and sell our products; • changes in tariffs, trade barriers, and regulatory requirements; • protectionist laws, policies, and business practices that favor local competitors or lead to non-U.S. customers favoring domestic technology solutions, which could slow our growth in OUS markets; • local or national regulations that make it difficult or impractical to market or use our products; • U.S. relations with the governments of the other countries in which we operate; 27 Table of Contents • the inability or regulatory limitations on our ability to move goods across borders; • the risks associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; • the difficulty in establishing, staffing, and managing OUS operations, including differing labor relations; • the expense of establishing facilities and operations in new foreign markets; • the building and maintenance of an organization capable of supporting geographically dispersed operations, including appropriate business procedures and controls; • anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S.
We have experienced procedure growth for a number of benign conditions, including hysterectomies, sacrocolpopexies, hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, bariatrics, and certain other surgeries. Many of these types of surgeries may be postponed in the short term by patients to avoid vacation periods and for other personal scheduling reasons. Patients may also accelerate procedures to take advantage of insurance funding cut-off dates.
We have experienced procedure growth for a number of benign conditions, including hernia repairs, hysterectomies, cholecystectomies, bariatrics, and certain other surgeries. Many of these types of surgeries may be postponed in the short term by patients to avoid vacation periods and for other personal scheduling reasons. Patients may also accelerate procedures to take advantage of insurance funding cut-off dates.
If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if global health concerns continue to prevent the FDA, other regulatory authorities, or notified bodies from conducting their regular inspections, reviews, or other regulatory activities, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA, other regulatory authorities, or notified bodies to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if global health concerns prevent the FDA, other regulatory authorities, or notified bodies from conducting their regular inspections, reviews, or other regulatory activities, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA, other regulatory authorities, or notified bodies to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, third-party service providers that provide services to da Vinci Surgical System and Ion endoluminal system operators may emerge and compete with us on price or offerings. To date, substantially all of our customers have sourced services on their systems from us through service contract commitments or time and materials contracts.
In addition, third-party service providers that service da Vinci surgical system and Ion endoluminal system operators may emerge and compete with us on price or offerings. To date, substantially all of our customers have sourced services on their systems from us through service contract commitments or time and materials contracts.
Although we do not submit claims directly to government payors, manufacturers can be held liable under the federal false claim act if they are deemed to “cause” the submission of false or fraudulent claims by, for example, providing inaccurate billing or coding information to customers or promoting a product off-label.
Although we do not submit claims directly to government payors, manufacturers can be held liable under the federal False Claims Act if they are deemed to “cause” the submission of false or fraudulent claims by, for example, providing inaccurate billing or coding information to customers or promoting a product off-label.
Even when HIPAA does not apply, according to the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), violating consumers’ privacy rights or failing to take appropriate steps to keep consumers’ personal information secure may constitute unfair and/or deceptive acts or practices in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Even when HIPAA does not apply, according to the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), violating consumers’ privacy rights or failing to take appropriate steps to keep consumers’ personal information secure may constitute unfair and/or deceptive acts or practices in violation of Section 5(a) of the FTC Act.
We also lease our systems to certain qualified customers where the lease payments are based on their usage of the systems. While leases and usage-based arrangements enable our customers to upgrade and get access to new technologies faster, it may also enable competitors to more easily induce customers to switch to a competitor’s system.
We also lease our systems to certain qualified customers where the lease payments are based on their usage of the systems. While leases, including usage-based arrangements, enable our customers to upgrade and get access to new technologies faster, it may also enable competitors to more easily induce customers to switch to a competitor’s system.
Prices of such materials have also increased, and global supply has become significantly constrained due to the increased demand for materials, including semiconductors, to support expansion of server and cloud networks as a greater proportion of the global population worked remotely, the introduction of 5G, and the continued electrification of vehicles.
Prices of such materials have also increased, and global supply has become constrained due to the increased demand for materials, including semiconductors, to support expansion of server and cloud networks as a greater proportion of the global population worked remotely, the introduction of 5G, and the continued electrification of vehicles.
Our gross profit margins may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including: • changes in customer, geographic, or product mix, including the mix of system models sold or leased; • changes in the portion of sales involving a trade-in of another system and the amount of trade-in credits given; • our introduction of new products, which may have lower margins than our existing products; • our inability to maintain or reduce production costs; • changes to our pricing strategy; • competition; • changes in production volume driven by demand for our products; • changes in material, labor, or other manufacturing-related costs, including the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations for foreign currency-denominated costs; • changes to U.S. and foreign trade policies, such as the enactment of tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. including, but not limited to, goods imported from Mexico where we manufacture a majority of our instruments that we sell; • inventory obsolescence, which may result from maintaining significant inventories of raw materials, components, and finished goods; • product recall charges; and • market conditions.
Our gross profit margins may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including: • changes in customer, geographic, or product mix, including the mix of system models sold or leased; • changes in the portion of sales involving a trade-in of another system and the amount of trade-in credits given; • our introduction of new products, which may have lower margins than our existing products; • our inability to maintain or reduce production costs; • changes in our pricing strategy; • competition; • changes in production volume driven by demand for our products; 31 Table of Contents • changes in material, labor, or other manufacturing-related costs, including the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations for foreign currency-denominated costs; • changes to U.S. and foreign trade policies, such as the enactment of tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. including, but not limited to, goods imported from Mexico where we manufacture a majority of our instruments that we sell; • inventory obsolescence, which may result from maintaining significant inventories of raw materials, components, and finished goods; • product recall charges; and • market conditions.
Russia’s military actions against Ukraine have led to substantial expansion of sanction programs imposed by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, and other countries against Russia, Belarus, the 40 Table of Contents Crimea Region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, and the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, including, among others: • blocking sanctions against some of the largest state-owned and private Russian financial institutions (and their subsequent removal from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication payment system) and certain Russian businesses, some of which have significant financial and trade ties to the European Union; • blocking sanctions against Russian and Belarusian individuals, including the Russian President, other politicians, and those with government connections or involved in Russian military activities; and • blocking of Russia’s foreign currency reserves as well as expansion of sectoral sanctions and export and trade restrictions, limitations on investments and access to capital markets, and bans on various Russian imports.
Russia’s military actions against Ukraine have led to substantial expansion of sanction programs imposed by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, and other countries against Russia, Belarus, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, and the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, including, among others: • blocking sanctions against some of the largest state-owned and private Russian financial institutions (and their subsequent removal from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication payment system) and certain Russian businesses, some of which have significant financial and trade ties to the European Union; • blocking sanctions against Russian and Belarusian individuals, including the Russian President, other politicians, and those with government connections or involved in Russian military activities; and • blocking of Russia’s foreign currency reserves as well as expansion of sectoral sanctions and export and trade restrictions, limitations on investments and access to capital markets, and bans on various Russian imports.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to governmental officials; • antitrust and anti-competition laws; • economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in particular foreign economies and markets, including exposure to a higher degree of financial risk if we extend credit to customers in these economies; and • business interruptions due to natural disasters, outbreak of disease, climate change, and other events beyond our control.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials; • antitrust and anti-competition laws; • economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in particular foreign economies and markets, including exposure to a higher degree of financial risk if we extend credit to customers in these economies; and • business interruptions due to natural disasters, outbreak of disease, climate change, and other events beyond our control.
Hospitals, in particular, are experiencing and may continue to experience financial and operational pressures as a result of staffing shortages, the supply chain environment, and increased inflation, which could impact their ability to access capital markets and other funding sources, increase the cost of funding, or impede their ability to comply with debt covenants, all of which could impede their ability to provide patient care, defer elective surgeries, and impact their profitability.
Hospitals, in particular, are experiencing and may continue to experience financial and operational pressures as a result of staffing shortages, the supply chain environment, and high inflation, which could impact their ability to access capital markets and other funding sources, increase the cost of funding, or impede their ability to comply with debt covenants, all of which could impede their ability to provide patient care, defer elective surgeries, and impact their profitability.
It is not always possible to identify and deter misconduct by employees and other third parties, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not 51 Table of Contents be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with such laws or regulations.
It is not always possible to identify and 54 Table of Contents deter misconduct by employees and other third parties, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with such laws or regulations.
Furthermore, acquired companies may have less mature or less sophisticated information systems, securities practices, or training, which may result in an increased risk of security and cybersecurity incidents when such companies are integrated. In 2020, we acquired Orpheus Medical Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Orpheus Medical”) to deepen and expand our integrated informatics platform.
Furthermore, acquired companies may have less mature or less sophisticated information systems, securities practices, or training, which may result in an increased risk of security and cybersecurity incidents when such companies are integrated. For example, in 2020, we acquired Orpheus Medical Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Orpheus Medical”) to deepen and expand our integrated informatics platform.
These changes included an aggregate reduction in Medicare payments, which went into effect on April 1, 2013, and will remain in effect through 2031, unless additional Congressional action is taken, with the exception of a temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic from May 1, 2020, through March 31, 2022.
These changes included an aggregate reduction in Medicare payments, which went into effect on April 1, 2013, and will remain in effect through 2032, unless additional Congressional action is taken, with the exception of a temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic from May 1, 2020, through March 31, 2022.
The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions, other consequences, such as Russia imposing restrictions on transactions or banning the export of energy products, including natural gas, and the resulting market disruptions could be significant and could potentially have substantial impact on the global economy and our business for an unknown period of time.
The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions, other consequences, such as restrictions on transactions or banning the export of energy products, including natural gas, and the resulting market disruptions could be significant and could potentially have substantial impact on the global economy and our business for an unknown period of time.
It is the responsibility of the Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (“PRRC”) to ensure such requirements are fulfilled and in place in the company.
It is the responsibility of the (manufacturer) Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (“PRRC”) to ensure such requirements are fulfilled and in place in the company.
Factors that may result in a development project being prevented or delayed from completion or exceeding budget include, but are not limited to (i) construction delays due to labor challenges, poor weather, defects, or cost overruns, which may increase project development costs; (ii) cost escalations associated with materials, including changes in availability, proximity, and cost of materials, such as steel, cement, concrete, aggregates, oil, fuel, and other construction materials, including changes in U.S. trade policies and retaliatory responses from other countries, changes in foreign exchange rates, as well as cost escalations associated with subcontractors and labor; (iii) the discovery of hazardous or toxic substances, or other environmental, culturally-sensitive, or related issues; (iv) an inability to obtain, or a significant delay in obtaining, zoning, construction, occupancy, and other required governmental permits and authorizations; (v) difficulty in complying with local, city, county, and state rules and regulations regarding permitting, zoning, subdivision, utilities, and water quality, as well as federal rules and regulations regarding air and water quality and protection of endangered species and their habitats; (vi) insufficient infrastructure capacity or availability (e.g., water, sewer, and roads) to serve the needs of our projects; (vii) failure to achieve or sustain anticipated occupancy levels; (viii) condemnation of all or parts of development or operating properties, which could adversely affect the value or viability of such projects; and (ix) natural disasters and other extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, or flooding.
Factors that may result in a development project being prevented or delayed from completion or exceeding budget include, but are not limited to (i) construction delays due to labor challenges, poor weather, defects, or cost overruns, which may increase project development costs; (ii) cost escalations associated with materials, including changes in availability, proximity, and cost of materials, such as steel, cement, concrete, aggregates, oil, fuel, and other construction materials, including potential risks arising from geopolitical conflicts, changes in U.S. trade policies and retaliatory responses from other countries, changes in foreign exchange rates, as well as cost escalations associated with subcontractors and labor; (iii) the discovery of hazardous or toxic substances, or other environmental, culturally-sensitive, or related issues; (iv) an inability to obtain, or a significant delay in obtaining, zoning, construction, occupancy, and other required governmental permits and authorizations; (v) difficulty in complying with local, city, county, and state rules and regulations regarding permitting, zoning, 45 Table of Contents subdivision, utilities, and water quality, as well as federal rules and regulations regarding air and water quality and protection of endangered species and their habitats; (vi) insufficient infrastructure capacity or availability (e.g., water, sewer, and roads) to serve the needs of our projects; (vii) failure to achieve or sustain anticipated occupancy levels; (viii) condemnation of all or parts of development or operating properties, which could adversely affect the value or viability of such projects; and (ix) natural disasters and other extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, or flooding.
We are also subject to healthcare regulation and enforcement by the federal government and the states and foreign governments where we conduct our business.
We are subject to healthcare regulation and enforcement by the federal government and the states and foreign governments where we conduct our business.
Further, IDN groups are creating larger networks of system users with increasing purchasing power and are increasingly evaluating their robotic-assisted surgery programs to optimize the efficiency of surgeries using da Vinci Surgical Systems. Further, the introduction of new products could adversely impact our sales cycle as customers take additional time to assess the benefits and costs of such products.
Further, IDN groups are creating larger networks of system users with increasing purchasing power and are increasingly evaluating their robotic-assisted surgery programs to optimize the efficiency of surgeries using da Vinci s urgical systems. Further, the introduction of new products could adversely impact our sales cycle as customers take additional time to assess the benefits and costs of such products.
In addition, to the extent that there is a shift from an inpatient setting to outpatient settings, we may 29 Table of Contents experience pricing pressure and a reduction in the number of procedures performed. Our success in OUS markets also depends on the eligibility of our products for coverage and reimbursement through government-sponsored healthcare payment systems and third-party payors.
In addition, to the extent that there is a shift from an inpatient setting to outpatient settings, we may experience pricing pressure and a reduction in the number of procedures performed. Our success in OUS markets also depends on the eligibility of our products for coverage and reimbursement through government-sponsored healthcare payment systems and third-party payors.
The length, impact, and outcome of this ongoing military conflict is highly unpredictable and could lead to significant market and other disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices and supply of energy resources, instability in financial markets, supply chain interruptions, political and social instability, trade disputes or trade barriers, changes in consumer or purchaser preferences, as well as an increase in cyberattacks and espionage.
The length, impact, and outcome of ongoing military conflicts is highly unpredictable and could lead to significant market and other disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices and supply of energy resources, instability in financial markets, supply chain interruptions, political and social instability, trade disputes or trade barriers, changes in consumer or purchaser preferences, as well as an increase in cyberattacks and espionage.
If we experience product flaws or performance problems, any or all of the following could occur: • delays in product shipments; • loss of revenue; • delay in market acceptance; • diversion of our resources; • damage to our reputation; • product recalls, which can include, but not be limited to, product withdrawals from the market, labeling changes, design changes, customer notifications, and notifications to global regulatory bodies; • regulatory actions; • increased service or warranty costs; or • product liability claims.
If we experience product flaws or performance problems, any or all of the following could occur: • delays in product shipments; • loss of revenue; • delay in market acceptance; • diversion of our resources; • damage to our reputation; • product recalls, including, but not be limited to, product withdrawals from the market, labeling changes, design changes, customer notifications, and notifications to global regulatory bodies; • regulatory actions; • increased service or warranty costs; or • product liability claims.
These alliances can be difficult to manage, given the potentially different interests of the parties involved, and we could suffer delays in product development or other operational difficulties. 38 Table of Contents There can be no assurance that we will realize a return on our strategic investments.
These alliances can be difficult to manage, given the potentially different interests of the parties involved, and we could suffer delays in product development or other operational difficulties. There can be no assurance that we will realize a return on our strategic investments.
We may be sued by, or become involved in an administrative proceeding with, one or more of these third parties. We cannot be certain that a court or administrative body would agree with any arguments or defenses that we may have concerning invalidity, unenforceability, or non-infringement of any third-party patent.
We may be sued by, or become involved in an administrative proceeding with, one or more of these third parties. 55 Table of Contents We cannot be certain that a court or administrative body would agree with any arguments or defenses that we may have concerning invalidity, unenforceability, or non-infringement of any third-party patent.
Failure to submit required information may result in civil monetary penalties for all payments, transfers of value, or ownership or investment interests not reported in an annual submission. Device manufacturers are required to submit reports to CMS by the 90th day of each calendar year.
Failure to submit required information may result in civil monetary penalties for all payments, transfers of value, or ownership or investment interests not reported in an annual submission. Device manufacturers are required to submit reports to CMS by the 90 th day of each calendar year.
These unprecedented measures to slow the spread of the virus taken by local governments and healthcare 27 Table of Contents authorities globally, including the deferral of elective medical procedures and social distancing measures, had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our operations and financial results.
These unprecedented measures to slow the spread of the virus taken by local governments and healthcare authorities globally, including the deferral of elective medical procedures and social distancing measures, had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our operations and financial results.
Future significant changes in the healthcare systems in the U.S. or other countries, including retroactive and prospective rate and coverage criteria changes, competitive bidding or tender processes for certain products and services, and other changes intended to reduce expenditures along with uncertainty about whether and how changes may be implemented, could have a negative impact on the demand for our products.
Future significant changes in the healthcare systems in the U.S. or other countries, 52 Table of Contents including retroactive and prospective rate and coverage criteria changes, competitive bidding or tender processes for certain products and services, and other changes intended to reduce expenditures along with uncertainty about whether and how changes may be implemented, could have a negative impact on the demand for our products.
In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, and regulations implemented thereunder (collectively, “HIPAA”), imposes privacy, security, and breach notification obligations on certain healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, known as covered entities, as well as their business associates that perform certain services that involve creating, receiving, maintaining, or transmitting individually identifiable health information for or on behalf of such covered entities and their covered subcontractors.
In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, and regulations implemented thereunder, imposes privacy, security, and breach notification obligations on certain healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, known as covered entities, as well as their business associates that perform certain services that involve creating, receiving, maintaining, or transmitting individually identifiable health information for or on behalf of such covered 38 Table of Contents entities and their covered subcontractors.
In addition, the introduction or announcement of new products or product enhancements may shorten the life cycle of our existing products or reduce demand for our current products, thereby offsetting any benefits of successful product introductions and potentially leading to challenges in managing inventory of existing products.
In addition, the introduction or announcement of new products or product 30 Table of Contents enhancements may shorten the life cycle of our existing products or reduce demand for our current products, thereby offsetting any benefits of successful product introductions and potentially leading to challenges in managing inventory of existing products.
In addition, we may be unable to retain the employees of acquired companies or the acquired company’s customers, suppliers, distributors, or other partners for a variety of reasons, including that these entities may be our competitors or may have close relationships with our competitors.
In addition, we may be unable to retain the employees of acquired companies or the acquired company’s customers, suppliers, distributors, or other partners for a variety of reasons, including that these entities may be our 43 Table of Contents competitors or may have close relationships with our competitors.
Countries may also adopt other protectionist measures that could limit our ability to offer our products and services. Furthermore, a large portion of our OUS sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive and/or less affordable in OUS markets.
Countries may also adopt other protectionist measures that could limit our ability to offer our products and services. Furthermore, in certain markets, our OUS sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive and/or less affordable in those OUS markets.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which created additional federal criminal statutes prohibit, among other things, executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program and making false statements relating to healthcare matters.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which created additional federal criminal statutes prohibit, among other things, executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program and making false statements 53 Table of Contents relating to healthcare matters.
While our sales arrangements with customers generally prohibit the use of unauthorized and unapproved instruments and accessories that lack FDA clearance or other applicable regulatory approval or certification with our systems, such activities could potentially result in reduced revenue, increased patient safety risks, and negative publicity for us if these products cause injuries and/or do not function as intended when used with our systems, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
While we generally do not approve the use by our customers of unauthorized and unapproved instruments and accessories that lack FDA clearance or other applicable regulatory approval or certification with our systems, such activities could potentially result in reduced revenue, increased patient safety risks, and negative publicity for us if these products cause injuries and/or do not function as intended when used with our systems, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Such tariffs and, if enacted, any further legislation or actions taken by the U.S. federal 33 Table of Contents government that restrict trade, such as additional tariffs, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures taken by governments in Europe, Asia, and other countries, could adversely impact our ability to sell products and services in our OUS markets.
Such tariffs and, if enacted, any further legislation or actions taken by the U.S. federal government that restrict trade, such as additional tariffs, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures taken by governments in Europe, Asia, and other countries, could adversely impact our ability to sell products and services in our OUS markets.
For example, on February 23, 2022, the FDA issued a proposed rule to amend the QSR, which establishes current good manufacturing practice requirements for medical device manufacturers, to align more closely with the International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”) standards. This proposal has not yet been finalized or adopted.
For example, on February 23, 2022, the FDA issued a proposed rule to amend the QSR, which establishes current good manufacturing practice requirements 48 Table of Contents for medical device manufacturers, to align more closely with the International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”) standards. This proposal has not yet been finalized or adopted.
Further, the federal, state, and local governments, Medicare, Medicaid, managed-care organizations, and foreign governments have, in the past, considered, are currently considering, and may, in the future, consider healthcare policies and proposals intended to curb rising healthcare costs, including those that could significantly affect both private and public 49 Table of Contents reimbursement for healthcare services.
Further, the federal, state, and local governments, Medicare, Medicaid, managed-care organizations, and foreign governments have, in the past, considered, are currently considering, and may, in the future, consider healthcare policies and proposals intended to curb rising healthcare costs, including those that could significantly affect both private and public reimbursement for healthcare services.
Our information technology systems are critical to the success of our products, help us operate effectively and efficiently, interface with customers, maintain our supply chain and manufacturing operations, maintain financial accuracy and efficiency, and help us produce our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our information technology systems are critical to the success of our products, help us operate effectively and efficiently, interface with customers, maintain our supply chain and manufacturing operations, maintain financial accuracy and efficiency, 34 Table of Contents and help us produce our Consolidated Financial Statements.
For example, the GDPR, which is in effect across the EEA, imposes several stringent requirements for controllers and processors of personal data including, for example, imposing strict standards when obtaining consent from individuals to process their personal data, requiring robust disclosures to individuals, providing individual data rights, imposing short timelines for data breach notifications, limiting retention periods and secondary use of information, imposing certain requirements pertaining to health data as well as pseudonymized (i.e., key-coded) data, regulating cross-border transfers of personal data out of the EEA, as well as additional obligations when we contract third-party processors in connection with the processing of personal data.
For example, the GDPR, which is in effect across the EEA, imposes several stringent requirements for controllers and processors of data relating to an identifiable living individual or “personal data” including, for example, imposing strict standards when obtaining consent from individuals to process their personal data, requiring robust disclosures to individuals, providing individual data rights, imposing short timelines for data breach notifications, limiting retention periods and secondary use of information, imposing certain requirements pertaining to health data as well as pseudonymized (i.e., key-coded) data, regulating cross-border transfers of personal data out of the EEA, as well as additional obligations when we contract third-party processors in connection with the processing of personal data.
Historically, we have experienced lower procedure volume in 31 Table of Contents the first and third quarters of the year and higher procedure volume in the second and fourth quarters of the year. The timing of procedures and changes in procedure growth directly affect the timing of instruments and accessories and capital purchases by customers.
Historically, we have experienced lower procedure volume in the first and third quarters of the year and higher procedure volume in the second and fourth quarters of the year. The timing of procedures and changes in procedure growth directly affect the timing of instruments and accessories and capital purchases by customers.
Compliance with multiple regulatory standards is complex, difficult, and costly to maintain, and material deficiencies could result in significant limitations on our ability to manufacture, transport, and sell our products in one or more countries. 47 Table of Contents OUR PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY PROCESSES AND APPROVAL OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
Compliance with multiple regulatory standards is complex, difficult, and costly to maintain, and material deficiencies could result in significant limitations on our ability to manufacture, transport, and sell our products in one or more countries. OUR PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY PROCESSES AND APPROVAL OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
In addition, other parties may have filed 52 Table of Contents or will file patent applications covering products that are similar to or identical to ours. We cannot be certain that patents issuing from our own patent applications covering our products will have a priority date over any patents issuing from applications filed by a third party.
In addition, other parties may have filed or will file patent applications covering products that are similar to or identical to ours. We cannot be certain that patents issuing from our own patent applications covering our products will have a priority date over any patents issuing from applications filed by a third party.
Our information 34 Table of Contents technology systems and those of our third-party service providers, strategic partners, and other contractors or consultants are vulnerable to attack, damage, or interruption from a variety of sources.
Our information technology systems and those of our third-party service providers, strategic partners, and other contractors or consultants are vulnerable to attack, damage, or interruption from a variety of sources.
The federal civil and criminal false claims laws, including the federal civil False Claims Act, and civil monetary penalties laws, which prohibit, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal healthcare programs that are false or fraudulent.
We must comply with the federal civil and criminal false claims laws, including the federal False Claims Act, and civil monetary penalties laws, which prohibit, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal healthcare programs that are false or fraudulent.
The FDA’s authority to require a recall must be based on a finding that there is reasonable probability that the device could cause serious injury or death. We may also choose to voluntarily recall a product if any material deficiency is found.
The FDA’s authority to require a recall must be based on a finding that there is reasonable probability that the 49 Table of Contents device could cause serious injury or death. We may also choose to voluntarily recall a product if any material deficiency is found.
Robotic-assisted surgery with a da Vinci Surgical System or robotic-assisted bronchoscopy using an Ion endoluminal system are technologies that compete with established and emerging treatment options in reconstructive medical procedures or 28 Table of Contents disease management. These competitive treatment options include open surgery, conventional MIS, drug therapies, radiation treatment, and other emerging diagnostic and interventional surgical approaches.
Robotic-assisted surgery with a da Vinci surgical system or robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with an Ion endoluminal system are technologies that compete with established and emerging treatment options in reconstructive medical procedures or disease management. These competitive treatment options include open surgery, conventional MIS, drug therapies, radiation treatment, and other emerging diagnostic and interventional surgical approaches.
The timing of our obligation to report is triggered by the date we become aware of the adverse event as well as the nature of the event. We may fail to report adverse events of which we become aware within the prescribed timeframe.
The timing of our obligation to report is triggered by the date we become aware of the adverse event as well as the nature of the event. We may fail to report adverse events of which we become aware within the prescribed time frame.
On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law, which, among other things, further reduced Medicare payments to several types of providers, including hospitals, imaging centers, and cancer treatment centers.
On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 became law, which, among other things, further reduced Medicare payments to several types of providers, including hospitals, imaging centers, and cancer treatment centers.
Also, our customers have delayed, cancelled, or redirected and, in the future, may delay, cancel, or redirect, planned capital expenditures in order to focus resources on COVID-19 or in response to economic disruption related to COVID-19.
Also, our customers have delayed, cancelled, or redirected and, in the future, may delay, 33 Table of Contents cancel, or redirect, planned capital expenditures in order to focus resources on COVID-19 or in response to economic disruption related to COVID-19.
For certain risks, we do not maintain insurance coverage due to cost and/or availability. For example, we self-insure our product liability risks, and we indemnify our directors and officers for third-party claims and do not carry insurance to cover that indemnity or the related underlying potential losses. Also, we do not carry, among other types of coverage, earthquake insurance.
For example, we self-insure our product liability risks, and we indemnify our directors and officers for third-party claims and do not carry insurance to cover that indemnity or the related underlying potential losses. Also, we do not carry, among other types of coverage, earthquake insurance.
We may be found non-compliant as a result 45 Table of Contents of future changes in, or interpretations of, regulations by the FDA or other regulatory agencies.
We may be found non-compliant as a result of future changes in, or interpretations of, regulations by the FDA or other regulatory agencies.
Unless additional transitional measures are implemented, this situation could impact our ability to grow our business in the EU and EEA. WE ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT. The development of our facilities is subject to risks relating to our ability to complete our projects on schedule or within budget.
This situation could impact our ability to grow our business in the EU and EEA. WE ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT. The development of our facilities is subject to risks relating to our ability to complete our projects on schedule or within budget.
The results of these macroeconomic conditions, and the actions taken by governments, central banks, companies, and consumers in response, have and may continue to result in higher inflation in the U.S. and globally, which is likely, in turn, to lead to an increase in costs and may cause changes in fiscal and monetary policy, including increased interest rates.
The results of these macroeconomic conditions, and the actions taken by governments, central banks, companies, and consumers in response, have resulted in, and may continue to result in, higher inflation in the U.S. and globally, which is likely, in turn, to lead to an increase in costs and may cause changes in fiscal and monetary policy, including additional increases in 26 Table of Contents interest rates.
As of the filing date, we are unaware that the FDA or any other regulatory agency has granted 510(k) or equivalent clearance for the remanufacturing of any instruments for use with a da Vinci X or da Vinci Xi Surgical System, but we understand that the FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to one company for the remanufacturing of an EndoWrist instrument used with our da Vinci S and da Vinci Si Surgical Systems.
As of the filing date, we are unaware that the FDA or any other regulatory agency has granted 510(k) or equivalent market authorization for the remanufacturing of any instruments for use with a da Vinci X or da Vinci Xi surgical system, but we understand that the FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to one company for a remanufactured EndoWrist instrument used with our da Vinci Si surgical system.
In addition, U.S. and global public health bodies have, at times, recommended delaying elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may continue to negatively impact the usage of our products and the number of da Vinci procedures performed.
In addition, U.S. and global public health bodies have, at times, recommended delaying elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may continue to negatively impact the usage of our products and the number of da Vinci procedures performed. These delays in elective surgeries may create a patient backlog.
If our information technology systems do not effectively and securely collect, store, process, and report relevant data for the operation of our business, our ability to effectively plan, forecast, and execute our business plan and comply with applicable laws and regulations could be impaired.
If our information technology systems, or those of our critical third-party vendors, do not effectively and securely collect, store, process, and report relevant data for the operation of our business, our ability to effectively plan, forecast, and execute our business plan and comply with applicable laws and regulations could be impaired.
Margins on OUS revenue could also be materially adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as we may not be able to raise local prices to fully offset the strengthening of the U.S. dollar.
The weakening of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar adversely affects our foreign currency-denominated revenue. Margins on OUS revenue could also be materially adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as we may not be able to raise local prices to fully offset the strengthening of the U.S. dollar.
Recent macroeconomic conditions have been adversely impacted by political instability and military hostilities in multiple geographies (including the conflict between Ukraine and Russia), monetary and financial uncertainties, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent macroeconomic conditions have been adversely impacted by geopolitical instability and military hostilities in multiple geographies (including the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict between Israel and Hamas), monetary and financial uncertainties, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The regulation foresees a three-year transitional period and will permit EU member states to use common HTA tools, methodologies, and procedures across the EU, working together in four main areas, including joint clinical assessment of the innovative health technologies with the most potential impact for patients, joint scientific consultations whereby developers can seek advice from HTA authorities, identification of emerging health technologies to identify promising technologies early, and continuing voluntary cooperation in other areas.
It will permit EU member states to use common HTA tools, methodologies, and procedures across the EU, working together in four main areas, including joint clinical assessment of the innovative health technologies with the highest potential impact for patients, joint scientific consultations whereby developers can seek advice from HTA authorities, identification of emerging health technologies to identify promising technologies early, and continuing voluntary cooperation in other areas.
There are numerous state, federal, and foreign laws, regulations, decisions, and directives regarding privacy and the collection, storage, transmission, use, processing, disclosure, and protection of different types of personal data and personal information and other customer or other data, the scope of which is continually evolving and subject to differing interpretations.
There are numerous state, federal, and foreign laws, regulations, decisions, and directives regarding data privacy and security and the collection, storage, transmission, use, disclosure, and other processing of different types of information about individuals and other data (including customer data), the scope of which is continually evolving and subject to differing interpretations.
The extent and duration of the impact of labor market challenges are subject to numerous factors, including the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, availability of qualified and highly skilled persons in the markets where we operate and unemployment levels within these markets, behavioral changes, such as fully engaging employees and earning loyalty, prevailing wage rates, health and other insurance and benefit costs, inflation, adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations or government programs, safety levels of our operations, and our reputation within the labor market.
The extent and duration of the impact of labor market challenges are subject to numerous factors, including the remaining impact of COVID-19, availability of qualified and highly skilled persons in the markets where we operate and unemployment levels within these markets, behavioral changes, such as fully engaging employees, including those working from home or in a hybrid fashion, prevailing wage rates, health and other insurance and benefit costs, inflation, adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations or government programs, safety levels of our operations, and our reputation within the labor market.
To the extent that hospitals face financial pressures, reductions in government spending, or higher interest rates, hospitals’ ability or willingness to spend on capital equipment may be adversely impacted, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
To the extent that hospitals face financial pressures, delayed access or loss of access to uninsured deposits, delayed access or loss of ability to draw on existing credit facilities, reductions in government spending, or higher interest rates, hospitals’ ability or willingness to spend on capital equipment may be adversely impacted, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
These regulations, including the requirements for approvals or certifications and the time required for regulatory review, vary from country to country.
These regulations, including the 50 Table of Contents requirements for approvals or certifications and the time required for regulatory review, vary from country to country.
The healthcare laws and regulations that may affect our ability to operate include the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, payments or other remuneration that could be considered to induce hospitals, physicians, or other potential purchasers of our products either to refer patients or to purchase, lease, order, or arrange for or recommend the purchase, lease, or order of healthcare products or services for which payment may be made under federal and state healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid and any other third-party payor programs.
The healthcare laws and regulations that may affect our ability to operate include the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits the payment of remuneration to induce or reward hospitals, physicians, or other healthcare professionals either to refer patients or to purchase, lease, order, or arrange for or recommend the purchase, lease, or order of healthcare products or services for which payment may be made under the federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other third-party payor programs.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may also face increased cybersecurity risks due to our reliance on internet technology and the number of our employees who are working remotely, which may create additional opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
We may also face increased cybersecurity risks due to our reliance on internet technology and the number of our employees who are working remotely, a situation that has persisted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may create additional opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
Further, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of this statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation. Similar laws must be complied with in foreign jurisdiction.
Further, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of this statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation. Similar laws must be complied with at the state level and in foreign jurisdictions.
The success of new product introductions depends on a number of factors including, but not limited to, timely and successful research and development, regulatory clearances, approvals, or certifications, pricing, competition, market and consumer acceptance, the effective forecasting and management of product demand, inventory levels, the management of manufacturing and supply costs, and the risk that new products may have quality or other defects in the early stages of introduction.
The success of new product introductions depends on a number of factors including, but not limited to, timely and successful research and development, regulatory clearances, approvals, or certifications, establishment or maintenance of intellectual property rights, pricing, competition, market and consumer acceptance, the effective forecasting and management of product demand, inventory levels, the management of manufacturing costs and capacity, the management of supply costs, including mitigation of unforeseen supply chain disruptions for materials and components, and the risk that new products may have quality or other defects in the early stages of introduction.
Macroeconomic conditions, such as high inflation, changes to monetary policy, increasing interest rates, volatile currency exchange rates, credit and sovereign debt concerns in certain European countries, concerns about slowed growth in China and other OUS markets, decreasing consumer confidence and spending, including capital spending, and global or local recessions can adversely impact demand for our products, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Macroeconomic conditions, such as high inflationary pressure, changes to monetary policy, high interest rates, volatile currency exchange rates, credit and sovereign debt concerns, concerns about slowed growth in China and other OUS markets, decreasing consumer confidence and spending, including capital spending, concerns about the stability and liquidity of certain financial institutions, the introduction of or changes in tariffs or trade barriers, and global or local recessions can adversely impact demand for our products, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
ADDITIONALLY, CHALLENGES TO, OR INVESTIGATION INTO, OUR PRACTICES COULD CAUSE ADVERSE PUBLICITY AND BE COSTLY TO RESPOND TO AND, THUS, COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS.
ADDITIONALLY, CHALLENGES TO, OR INVESTIGATION INTO, OUR PRACTICES COULD CAUSE ADVERSE PUBLICITY AND BE COSTLY TO RESPOND TO AND, THUS, COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The CJEU further noted that reliance on the standard contractual clauses (a standard form of contract approved by the European Commission as an adequate personal data transfer mechanism and potential alternative to the Privacy Shield) alone may not necessarily be sufficient in all circumstances and that transfers must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union (the “CJEU”) states that the standard contractual clauses (a standard form of contract approved by the European Commission as an adequate personal data transfer mechanism and potential alternative to the Privacy Shield) alone may not necessarily be sufficient in all circumstances and that transfers must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The relationship between the UK and the EU in relation to certain aspects of data protection law remains unclear, and it is unclear how UK data protection laws and regulations will develop in the medium to longer term and how data transfers to and from the UK will be regulated in the long term.
The UK GDPR mirrors the obligations, monetary fines, and enforcement regime under the GDPR; however, the relationship between the UK and the EU in relation to certain aspects of data protection law remains unclear, and it is unclear how UK data protection laws and regulations will develop in the medium to longer term and how data transfers to and from the UK will be regulated in the long term.
Companies have introduced products in the field of robotic medical procedures or have made explicit statements about their efforts to enter the field including, but not limited to, the following companies: Asensus Surgical, Inc.; avateramedical GmbH; CMR Surgical Ltd.; Johnson & Johnson; Medicaroid Corporation; Medrobotics Corporation; Medtronic plc; meerecompany Inc.; Olympus Corporation; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd; Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Ltd.; Shanghai Microport Medbot (Group) Co., Ltd.; and Titan Medical Inc.
Companies have introduced products in the field of robotic medical procedures or have made explicit statements about their efforts to enter the field including, but not limited to, the following companies: Asensus Surgical, Inc.; Beijing Surgerii Robotics Company Limited; CMR Surgical Ltd.; Johnson & Johnson; Medicaroid Corporation; Medtronic plc; meerecompany Inc.; Noah Medical; Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Ltd.; Shanghai Microport Medbot (Group) Co., Ltd.; and Shenzhen Edge Medical Co., Ltd.
If we are unable to meet and manage these risks, our OUS operations may not be successful, which would limit the growth of our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or result of operations. WE MAY INCUR LOSSES ASSOCIATED WITH CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY HEDGE OUR EXPOSURE.
If we are unable to meet and manage these risks, our OUS operations may not be successful, which would limit the growth of our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or result of operations.