Intuitive surgical Inc. published its first quarter profit rose 88 percent stating the company's net income was $44.8 million or $1.12 per share compared to $23.8 million or 62 cents a share on the same period a year ago.

The company reported n Thursday an increase in sales of its da Vinci robotic surgical system, a robotic- and computer-assisted platform for minimally invasive surgery.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecasted earnings of 98 cents a share.

The Sunnyvale Calif.-based group said its revenue boosted 65 percent to $188.2 million surpassing analysts predictions of $178.2 million.

Service revenue grew 53 percent to $27.2 million while product sales rose 54 percent to $61.9 million.

Shares of Intuitive Surgical closed rising 0.73 percent to $348.50 at the end of trading on Thursday.