Why is the product called the da Vinci Surgical System?

The da Vinci System is called "da Vinci" in part because Leonardo da Vinci invented the first robot. da Vinci also used unparalleled anatomical accuracy and three-dimensional details to bring his masterpieces to life.The da Vinci Surgical System similarly provides physicians with such enhanced detail and precision that the System can simulate an open surgical environment while operating through tiny incisions.

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)?

Minimally Invasive Surgery is performed through dime-sized (1-2 cm) incisions, also called

operating ports. This is in contrast to the much larger incisions used in traditional, open surgery, which are often as large as 6-12 inches long.

The smaller incisions used in MIS typically enable shorter recovery times and result in less pain, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, fewer infections, and reduced hospitalization costs. While MIS has become the standard of care for particular surgical procedures, it has not been widely adopted for more complex or delicate procedures like prostatectomies. Da Vinci equips doctors with the ability and accuracy to perform these intricate surgeries.

How much is the da Vinci robot in control of my surgery?

Let¹s make a vital distinction about what runs the da Vinci Surgical System. It is important to any person considering minimally invasive prostate surgery to know that while da Vinci is essentially the vehicle, Centra¹s doctors are the drivers.Although the general term "robotic surgery" is often used to refer to the da Vinci technology, this term can give the impression that the robot is performing the surgery. This is not the case. In fact, the da Vinci Surgical

System cannot run on its own at all. Instead, the System is designed to replicate the movement of the surgeon's hands.It cannot make decisions or perform any type of movement without the surgeonss direct input.

Has the da Vinci Surgical System been cleared by the FDA?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the da Vinci Surgical System for a wide range of procedures, including prostatectomy.

Is a surgeon using the da Vinci System operating in "virtual reality"?

While the surgeon is seated at a console a few feet away from the patient, the surgeon views

an actual image of the surgical field while operating in real time, through tiny incisions, using electromechanically enhanced instruments. At no time does the surgeon see a virtual image or command the system to perform any maneuver on its own or outside of the surgeon's direct control.

*Source: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.