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Paul Nelson and Ed Yeates reporting The robot that does precision surgeries is back in town, but this time the new generation model is giving human surgeons behind the controls a whole new view they've never had before.
Da Vinci is its name, and it offers its human counterpart some distinct advantages in performing surgeries that require precision and rock-solid steadiness.
"We were actually fairly skeptical for a while. We've been watching the technology for several years to see if it was really something that Intermountain Medical Center should invest their money in," said Dr. Jay Bishoff, of Intermountain Medical Center.
Even though two other Salt Lake hospitals have da Vinci, this new generation model at Intermountain Medical Center is smaller, and it's all digital with a 3-D view that is now high definition. Looking into the console can magnify what the physician is about to cut by 15 times.
In the hands of a skilled surgeon, da Vinci can do wonders for prostate and other urological procedures. With high-definition resolution that "virtual" field of vision opens the door for even more applications.
As the surgeon moves his hands, wrists and fingers, da Vinci mimics the exact movements. It's precise and graceful, like a well-orchestrated symphony.
A special module allows the physician to scale down the movements--so while his wrist may be moving 3 centimeters at the console, it's translating into only 1 centimeter of movement inside the patient.
For older surgeons still skilled in their profession, it can be a big help. "As surgeons get older, they often will develop a slight intention tremor. The robot doesn't have an intention tremor," Bishoff explained.
The military is looking at da Vinci for an even farther-reaching application. Imagine one on an aircraft carrier. "You wouldn't have to have a laparoscopic-trained surgeon on the ship. The surgeon or physician there could put the robot car in and a surgeon back in the U.S., at Naval Bethesda Hospital, could go ahead and do the procedure there," Bishoff said.
Intermountain Medical Center might eventually use da Vinci on OB-GYN patients, general surgery patients and heart patients.
Bishoff says the machine reduces pain, blood loss and infection, compared to conventional surgery, and is minimally invasive. Da Vinci was used earlier this week on two patients with prostate cancer. Both are now home doing well.
