From the Guidelines
The latest robotic surgical system widely used is the da Vinci Xi, developed by Intuitive Surgical. This advanced platform allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision and control through robotic arms equipped with specialized instruments and a high-definition 3D visualization system. The da Vinci Xi features improved arm architecture for greater range of motion, thinner arms for better port placement options, and enhanced imaging capabilities compared to previous models. Surgeons operate from a console where they control the robotic arms while viewing magnified 3D images of the surgical site. This technology enables complex procedures across specialties including urology, gynecology, general surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery with smaller incisions, potentially resulting in less blood loss, reduced pain, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays for patients. While the da Vinci system dominates the market, other emerging platforms include the Senhance Surgical System by TransEnterix and the Versius Surgical Robotic System by CMR Surgical, which offer alternative approaches to robotic-assisted surgery.
Some key points to consider when evaluating robotic surgical systems include:
- The importance of structured training and credentialing programs for surgeons, as highlighted in studies such as 1 and 1
- The need for standardized guidelines and protocols for robotic surgery training and credentialing, as discussed in 1 and 1
- The role of simulation and virtual reality in robotic surgery training, as explored in 1 and 1
- The challenges and opportunities of integrating robotic surgery into existing training programs, as addressed in 1
Overall, the da Vinci Xi represents a significant advancement in robotic surgical technology, offering improved precision, control, and visualization capabilities that can enhance patient outcomes and reduce recovery times.
From the Research
Latest Robotic Systems Used in Surgery
- The da Vinci SP surgical system is a latest robotic system used in surgery, which enables a camera and 3 separate instruments to be placed through a single 25 mm port 2.
- This system is designed to perform complex surgery in narrow deep spaces, making it suitable for complex urinary tract reconstruction surgery 2.
- The da Vinci SP surgical system has been used for various surgical procedures, including urologic reconstructive procedures, such as pyeloplasties, buccal mucosa ureteroplasty, and ureteral implant 2.
- The system has also been used for mediastinal tumor surgery, with the subxiphoid single-port approach and subcostal approach single-port middle or posterior mediastinal tumor surgery 3.
- Additionally, the da Vinci SP Surgical System has been used for robot-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction, with promising features and potential application 4.
Benefits and Limitations of Latest Robotic Systems
- The latest robotic systems used in surgery offer several benefits, including superior cosmetic results, ability to access all surgical quadrants without re-docking or repositioning, and reduced postoperative complications 2, 5.
- However, there are also some limitations, such as no near infrared fluorescence imaging, smaller working space, and slightly increased difficulty with retraction 2.
- The cost of surgical procedures, equipment-instrument, and maintenance are also important aspects to consider when using latest robotic systems in surgery 5.
Current Trends and Future Directions
- Robotic surgery is an evolving field, with new techniques and facilities being developed and implemented 5.
- Machine learning is likely to play a role in surgical training, with automated performance metrics and individualized surgical training 5.
- The use of latest robotic systems in surgery is expected to continue to expand, with new applications and procedures being developed and refined 6, 3, 4.