Safety Concerns Surround the Da Vinci Surgical Robot

The da Vinci System is a surgical robot, designed to assist surgeons in laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is a type of surgery where surgeons use very tiny incisions and specialized tools to perform abdominal and other types of surgeries. These tools often include tiny cameras mounted on instruments.

The goal of laparoscopic surgery is to perform major abdominal surgeries like hysterectomies and hernia repairs, with as minimal strain and damage to the patient as possible. Laparoscopic surgery boasts a much shorter recovery period than traditional abdominal surgery.

The da Vinci robot provides surgeons with an extra set of hands. The surgical robot includes a number of appendages and cameras, mounted on small robotic arms. The idea is that the da Vinci system could allow surgeons to make more precise movements by controlling these tiny arms. The premise of the system is that it could allow surgeons to guide their instruments more precisely than their hands alone could.

However, there have been two major criticisms leveled against the da Vinci robot. One is the staggering cost of the equipment. The da Vinci comes with at a staggering $2 million price tag, and requires hundreds of thousands of dollars in maintenance per year.

Part of the cost is due to proprietary operating software. The critics argue that this makes the system beyond the reach of many medical centers. It also may make hospitals and physicians feel pressed to utilize the technology to “get their money’s worth.”

Another more serious criticism comes from doubts about the System’s safety record. It has been alleged that the device is more dangerous than traditional laparoscopic surgery.

Allegations have also surfaced that the manufacturers may have concealed the risks associated with the device. Part of the accusation is that the device may be more complex for surgeons to use than their traditional tools, leaving them more prone to mistakes.

It has also been alleged that the surgical arms may catch on organs and tissues within the body, causing damage and complications. There have even been deaths reported in patients as a result of robotic laparoscopic surgery.

da Vinci Robot Lawsuits

As reports of da Vinci surgery complications grow, the number of da Vinci robot lawsuits has followed suit. These lawsuits accuse the manufacturer of making and selling a defective medical device and of failing to properly train surgeons on how to use it.

If you or a loved one suffered from serious complications after having robotic surgery with the da Vinci System, you may be entitled to compensation. But you need to act quickly to avoid running into statute of limitations issues. You can start to explore your options by visiting the da Vinci Robot Surgery Class Action Lawsuit & Robotic Surgery Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can enter information about your situation for a free legal review by a trained expert with a background in this type of litigation.