Robotics / Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac surgery now uses robotic and image processing systems in order to interactively assist the medical team, both in planning the surgical intervention, and in its execution. The objective of this new technique is to enhance the quality of surgical procedures by minimizing their side effects (smaller incisions, lesser trauma, more precision thus increasing patient benefit while decreasing the surgical cost. These techniques are being successfully introduced in several areas of surgery: neurosurgery, orthopaedics, micro-surgery, cardiovascular and general surgery etc.  For a recent news article about cardiovascular surgery, using robotics surgery, click here.

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The da Vinci™ Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is enabling the next generation of surgery. Incorporating the latest advancements in robotics and computer technology, the da Vinci Surgical System is the only operative surgical robot that has been deemed safe and effective by the United States Food and Drug Administration for actually performing surgery.

By integrating ROBOTIC technology with the surgeon’s skill, the da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform precise minimally invasive (MIS) surgery in a manner never before experienced to enhance healing and promote well-being. As a result,

Patient benefits may include:

• Reduced pain and trauma to the body
• Less blood loss and need for transfusions
• Less post-operative pain and discomfort
• Less risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery and return to work
• Less scarring and improved comesis

Minimally Invasive Surgery reduces trauma to the patient by allowing surgeries to be performed through small ports rather than large incisions, resulting in shorter recovery times, fewer complications and reduced hospitalization costs.

MIS has been widely adopted for certain surgical procedures, but it has not yet been widely adopted for complex procedures. The da Vinci Surgical System increases the use of MIS techniques in complex procedures.

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The da Vinci Surgical System is a computer-enhanced minimally invasive surgical system consisting of three components, the InSite™ Vision System, Surgical Cart and Surgeon Console. The InSite Vision System provides the surgeon a true minimally invasive 3-D view of the surgical field including depth of field, magnification and high resolution. The Surgical Cart includes the EndoWrist™ Instruments and three robotic arms whereby the laparoscope and two EndoWrist Instruments are inserted. The EndoWrist Instruments are designed to mimic the movement of the human hands, wrists and fingers. The extensive range of motion allows precision that is not available in standard minimally invasive procedures. The Surgeon Console contains the master controls that the surgeon uses to manipulate the EndoWrist instruments. The handles or "Masters" translate the surgeon’s natural hand and wrist movements into corresponding, precise and scaled movements. The EndoWrist Instruments are only able to move when commanded by the surgeon.

Benefits of the da Vinci System?

With its 3-D view, the da Vinci Surgical System aids the surgeon in more easily identifying vital anatomy such as the delicate nerves and blood vessels surrounding specific anatomy. The EndoWrist Instruments provide the surgeon with the dexterity not available using conventional laparoscopic instruments to perform a delicate and precise surgical dissection , reconstruction or removal of specific tissue.

* Specific cardiac applications of the da Vinci Surgical System have not been cleared by the FDA for use in the United States.