We all make mistakes, but a mistake during surgery can have fatal consequences. This is one reason that doctors and hospitals have embraced robotic surgery.
Most robotic surgeries are done using the da Vinci Surgical System, which is manufactured by Intuitive Surgical. The da Vinci robot is used for hysterectomies, mitral valve repair, gastric bypass, gall bladder surgery, and the removal of thyroid and prostate cancers.
The da Vinci robotic system is made up of three components: a surgeon’s console with a joystick, a 3D vision system, and a robotic cart with four surgical arms. Three of the arms manipulate surgical instruments while the fourth holds a camera.
Robotic surgery is a lot like playing a video game – except there are real life consequences. The image from the camera is shown on the vision system. The surgeon then uses the console to control the arms. His movements are scaled down and any unintended wobble is filtered out. This allows the surgeon to make very precise cuts on a very small scale. Because the surgeon can operate on a smaller scale than is possible with the human hand, there is less blood loss, less scarring, and a faster recovery time.
Unfortunately, there is a problem with the system. In May 2013, Intuitive Surgical sent an urgent medical device notification to users of the da Vinci system. The notification warned that a defective part could cause tissue burns during surgery.
The defective pieces are the “-09” and “-10” versions of the EndoWrist Hot Shears Monopolar Curved Scissors. These instruments are used to cut and coagulate tissue during surgical procedures. The scissors may develop energy-leaking micro cracks when they are cleaned and sterilized. These micro cracks may be too small to be seen with the naked eye, but they can increase the risk of inadvertent burns.
Intuitive Surgical is not recalling the defective scissors because there is no suitable replacement. Instead, they are asking surgeons to be aware of the risk and take necessary precautions. These precautions include not applying electrical energy unless the instrument tip is in direct contact with tissue, and paying close attention to any tissue near the instrument shaft or wrist.
The defective part is not the only problem facing Intuitive Surgical. The medical device company is currently facing 26 da Vinci lawsuits filed by patients who were injured during robotic surgery.
Injuries associated with the da Vinci robotic surgery system include:
- Surgical burns
- Excessive bleeding
- Punctured blood vessels or arteries
- Punctured organs
- Inflammation of the stomach lining
- Intestinal tearing
- Bowel injuries
- Punctured or cut ureters
- Vaginal cuff dehiscence
- Sepsis
If you were injured during surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, pain, and other losses. To learn more about da Vinci surgical robot lawsuits in Utah, contact Salt Lake City defective medical device attorney James Esparza at 800-745-4050.