da Vinci Si robotic system wants to be your surgeon (video - amazing)

[edesignuk]

Oh boy, from the looks of that picture the only perquisites for using the updated da Vinci Si surgical system are video game skills, a preference for interacting with the physical world on a high-def display, and an abnormal interest in robots. Sound like anyone you know? Intuitive Surgical's latest robotic system features two separate HD optical channels that the manufacturer claims will give "highly accurate depth perception" when merged. The surgeon console features touchpad control of the video, audio, and system settings while providing "precise, dexterous control" of a an extensive array of surgical tools held by the robotic flanges. Perfect for all your minimally invasive, WebMD-inspired home surgery needs when not performing transplants at county. Check the video after the break -- amazing is an understatement.

Engadget [with video].

wow.

 

[dXTC]

I work for the IT department of a large hospital that has one of these bad boys. Expensive as all get out, and so far little more than a PR tool, but it's still rather nifty.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

We have one of those here at my hospital as well. Before the hospital bought it, or before it was set up, one of my coworkers (a graphic designer) got a chance to play with it. He said it was unreal. I'm not sure how often it has been used so far, but I could definitely see this thing, with all of its robotic arms, becoming far more popular. Having the surgeon in the next room, or in a far corner of the operating room, is pretty crazy.

 

[duncanapple]

From what little I personally have heard about it, they have gotten really good results out of it. My fiances father was diagnosed with prostate cancer late last year, and this was one of the options for removal. He ended up going with the traditional surgery though this was a strong contender. In the end the only reason he went with traditional surgery is it has a little longer tract record, and speaking to surgeons who do both methods (da vinci and regular) there was something to be said for the "feel" they get doing it the "old fashion" way - something that's important when you are on that fine line between cutting away all the cancer but leaving tissue important for other things (ahem, incontinence). I'm sure there are a lot of other uses for this though, this was just the one that we did a ton of research on. Pretty cool regardless though!