- The da Vinci Surgical System -

The da Vinci ® Surgical System utilitzes state-of-the-art robotic technology to allow a surgeon’s hand movements to be translated into precise movements of fully wristed micro-instruments within the operative field. The surgeon's magnified, three-dimensional view further enables the performance of exceptionally accurate dissection and reconstruction of delicate structures, all through a few small incisions.

The da Vinci ® System takes surgery to a new level for both surgeon and patient. The surgeon benefits from a comfortable, seated position with unprecedented visualization, and complete freedom of instrument movements. The patient benefits from the minimally invasive nature of the surgery, decreased blood loss, shorter hospitalization, faster return to normal activity, and minimal scarring. Many surgeons feel they are better able to preserve their patients' erectile nerves and urinary continence mechanisms due to the advantages provided by robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

There are several key components to the da Vinci ® System, which are combined to provide these benefits.

1. Binocular Lenses - Two slightly different images are displayed simultanesously to the surgeon's left and right eyes, recreating a true 3-dimensional, immersive perspective.
2. Tiny Instruments are equipped with a variety of tips including scissors, cautery, graspers, dissectors, and clip appliers allow every surgical manoever imaginable
3. Endowrist Instruments - recreate all of the surgeon's wrist movements, a major improvement over standard laparsocopic instruments, which are limited due the fixed ends.

Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci is not Asimov's Robot!

From its inception, the word "robot" has carried a connotation of autonomous action, which does not apply to the da Vinci ® System. The System does not make any decisions on its own and can not move without direct input from a console-certified surgeon. The more accurate term "master-slave" surgical system more clearly describes how the da Vinci System is an adjunct to laparoscopy and only performs mauveuvers with real-time guidance.

For additional information on the da Vinci® Surgical System, download the da Vinci patient brochure, watch the da Vinci Prostatectomy video, watch an interview and demonstration by Dr. Golden, or make an appointment for a consultation.