|
The da Vinci Robot
The da Vinci Robot Ushers
in a New Era in Surgical Procedures
Leonardo da Vinci first conceived the idea of a robot to
be used to assist humans. Now, over 500 years later, its surgical
use has been perfected. This past April St. Joseph’s
Health Care, London acquired a da Vinci® Surgical System
for use in the surgical centre. This new equipment, to be
used in the areas of urology, gynecology and general surgery,
places St. Joseph’s at the forefront of care in these
areas, in Canada. The New St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation
will be working to fundraise for this important piece of equipment
over the coming months.
 The
acquisition of the da Vinci robot, one of only a few in Canada,
means even bolder steps can be taken in the advancement of
minimally invasive surgery and in advancing day surgery procedures.
For St. Joseph’s, advancements in these areas are common.
Many endoscopic procedures in gynecology were introduced at
St. Joseph’s during the 1980’s. Hundreds of residents,
Fellows and visiting gynecologists from around the world,
have been trained at St. Joseph’s in these procedures.
The use of the da Vinci is a natural step forward in these
and other areas. Robotic surgery is one aspect of the future
of medicine and St. Joseph’s is readily welcoming that
future.
For many, thoughts of robotic surgery do stir images of futuristic
scenarios where doctors have become obsolete. In reality,
the da Vinci is merely a tool used by the skilled hands of
the surgeon. It does not operate autonomously; rather the
doctor guides the instruments. In using the da Vinci, the
surgeon is seated at a console near the patient where he or
she is able to view a high resolution and enhanced three-dimensional
image of the surgical field while operating. The dexterity
of the robotic arms allows the surgeon to be even more precise.
A human hand has five degrees of freedom of movement –
the robotic arm has six.
Minimally invasive surgeries, where a mere ‘key-hole’
incision or incisions are required, are performed with greater
ease with the aid of the da Vinci as greater surgical precision
can be achieved, along with a greater range of motion. The
benefits to the patient in having minimally invasive surgery
include a shorter recovery time and a reduced risk of infection.
Interested in supporting the
da Vinci Robotic Surgical System?
Click here or call the Foundation
office at 646-6085. |
