Lawsuits Highlight da Vinci Surgical Robot Complications

Recent lawsuits have brought the safety of the da Vinci Surgical System into question because of complications patients have suffered when the surgical robot was used during their surgical procedures.

As a result, doctors and medical experts are encouraging patients to consider more traditional methods for their surgical procedures.

In May 2013, da Vinci’s manufacturer, Intuitive Surgical issued a statement saying that a particular component used in the robotic system could potentially put patients at risk for burn injuries.

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According to the company’s urgent notification, some of the system’s ‘Hot Shears’ may be prone to small cracks, which could potentially create a pathway for electro-surgical charges that could directly hit the patient.  And one of the problems is that the cracks may not be visible. Intuitive said that they had already received one report of injury which directly resulted from a cracked instrument.

In spite of the potential risk patients, Intuitive chose not to recall the devices with the potential defective parts, but announced that it would remove all affected instruments and replace them with new robotic systems when they became available. It was estimated that the company began this process two to four weeks after the notification date.

The da Vinci Surgical System is often used for laparoscopic procedures, and has gained significant popularity since its release in 2000.  The robot is designed to perform minimally invasive surgeries in a variety of procedures, including:

• Urologic surgery
• Abdominal wall surgery
• Gynecologic surgery
• Certain head and neck surgeries
• Thoracic surgery performed through the rib cage on delicate structures, such as the lungs
• Heart surgery performed through the rib cage
• Gallbladder removal
• Hysterectomy
• Ovary removal

The da Vinci Surgical System is primarily used on adults for these procedures, but is also used on children in race exceptions. The da Vinci surgical system offers surgeons a 3D monitor, a magnified view, and computer assistance. The robot uses specialized instruments, which are designed specifically for delicate surgical procedures.  While the da Vinci system is designed to make the surgical procedure easier and quicker for the surgeon and patient, only surgeons who have been specifically trained to use this da Vinci system should use this device for these procedures.

Overview of da Vinci Complications

Much like a traditional surgery, many complications can occur during a da Vinci operation; these complications can range from minor scraping to death.  Complications of the da Vinci Surgical System include:

• Injury to tissues or organs
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Internal scarring which can cause long-lasting dysfunction or pain
• Temporary pain or nerve injury (most commonly occurs during abdominal and pelvic surgery)

Most of the injuries require extensive hospital stays and additional surgeries to correct.  Doctors encourage patients be aware of all possible complications which can occur during any surgery.

Free da Vinci Robot Lawsuit Evaluation

If you or a loved one were injured following robotic surgery performed by the da Vinci Surgical System, legal options are available. Visit the Da Vinci Robot Surgery Class Action Lawsuit & Robotic Surgery Lawsuit Investigation.  Fill out the short form to receive a free review of your potential da Vinci robot lawsuit. If you qualify, a robotic surgery lawsuit lawyer will contact you about the next steps to take, at no cost to you.