The Da Vinci Surgery System: Into the Future

Mar 11
11:25

2012

Aloysius Aucoin

Aloysius Aucoin

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Today, robotics are performing surgical procedures that would have been unthinkable years ago. The da Vinci surgery system allows a surgeon to work a procedure from a console, letting the deft arms of robotics to perform the movements.

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When people say,The Da Vinci Surgery System: Into the Future Articles "Technology has come a long way," they seldom really realize just how far it has come. More importantly, they may not realize how fast it is developing. Only those who are older have a decent grasp of how quickly technology is growing and accelerating. To say it is changing our world is an understatement. In terms of human history, it was only a minute ago that we had no electric lights. Today, we have robotics performing surgical procedures that would have been unthinkable years ago. The da Vinci surgery system allows a surgeon to work a procedure from a console, letting the deft arms of robotics to perform the movements.

Availability

Currently, the da Vinci surgery system is still in its infancy when compared to where it is likely to be in the future. It was only introduced to the medical community in 2005. As of 2009, it was available in approximately 900 hospitals across the country. Of course, the importance is not only that the technology be purchased and implemented, but surgeons must be trained to use the system. They must become proficient enough in its use that it can be put into practice with no loss of control. When they are trained to this level, however, studies are showing that the robotic system is every bit as safe and effective as a surgeon's hands.

Advantages

When they have mastered the use of the da Vinci surgery system, a doctor not only has the same level of control, many claim to have better control and more precision. Any advances that give a surgeon more precision and a greater level of dexterity can only be seen as a positive development. It reduces the risk involved to the patient, reduces blood loss, and minimizes pain. There may also be a reduced risk of infection. Seeing as how infection risks are some of the greatest battles a doctor faces in modern medicine, this is an especially exciting development.

Implementation

Instead of moving into the usual surgical position, the surgeon takes a seat at the da Vinci surgery console, where he will control the robotic arms from a distance. The console itself will give the doctor a clear, 3D laparoscopic view of the operational area. The surgeon will use his hands to control the robotic arms in real time. Some of the procedures the system has been used for include hysterectomies, mitral valve prolapse, and procedures designed to address coronary artery disease.