da Vinci System Surgical Robot Claims

The da Vinci Surgical System is a robotic surgical system used most commonly for hysterectomies and prostate removal. Other applications include gastric bypass, gall bladder removal and thyroid cancer surgeries. The da Vinci Robotic System has been in use for about thirteen years, but questions and concerns over its safety are being raised as serious injuries and deaths have allegedly occurred in hospitals across the nation that use the da Vinci Surgical robot.

What Makes da Vinci System Dangerous?

Intuitive Systems introduced the da Vinci Surgical Robot as a "minimally invasive" method of surgery that would allow doctors greater range of motion at the site of surgery. Intuitive claimed the device would also make smaller surgical incisions, minimize blood loss and speed recovery times for patients. The da Vinci Surgical Robot is a million dollar (or more) machine that is controlled by surgeons via remote controls (joy-sticks and foot pedal devices).

Da Vinci offers a two day basic training class for two doctors for each hospital purchasing a device, but there are no other industry standards for training on these and other robotic devices. Hospitals and surgeons are ultimately responsible for deciding when a surgeon is sufficiently adept at utilizing the device in the operating room. The lack of training requirements have caused many in the medical community to express concern that perhaps some surgeons are not adequately trained to use the da Vinci robot effectively and safely.

Alleged da Vinci Injuries

In addition to training concerns, there are a number of reservations about the safety of the da Vinci robot. Alleged injuries from the da Vinci Surgical System include:

Many injuries are believed to be the result of burns and heat damage due to the use of monopolar energy by the da Vinci robot. Those who have suffered may require additional painful surgery to attempt to repair the injuries.

If you are facing surgery using the da Vinci Robotic System, it is prudent to ask your doctor about the potential risks of the surgery. You should also inquire as to the training and experience level of the surgeon who will be utilizing the da Vinci Robot. If you have had da Vinci Robot Assisted surgery in Kentucky and believe you have suffered serious injury as the result of its use, you may want to contact a Kentucky attorney familiar with medical malpractice and product liability cases.

Please feel free to contact Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC for a free consultation on your case today. You may also call Brett at (502) 242-8877.