Patient Education
What’s da Vinci?
The
term “robotic-assisted surgery” can give the impression that the da
Vinci robot is performing the surgery. However, the da Vinci Surgical
System does not run on its own. Instead, it seamlessly replicates the
movement
of the surgeon’s hands with the tips of micro-instruments. Da Vinci
cannot make decisions, nor can it perform any type of movement or
maneuver without the surgeon’s direct input.
Mercy’s dual-console da Vinci is unique in the Midwest.
Two consoles allow two Mercy surgeons to simultaneously collaborate
during surgery. This ensures that two surgeons— meaning two sets of
eyes, hands and skills—are involved in the surgery. Da Vinci also
offers greater precision than the human hand can allow and its
highdefinition cameras see more than the human eye, offering improved
clarity and detail of tissue and anatomy, which are critical factors
when performing delicate procedures.
Is it safe?
Mercy’s number one priority is patient safety. The da Vinci robotic system provides numerous safety features, including:
- Over one million safety self-checks per second
- Guided instrument exchange to ensure safe exchange during surgery
- Widescreen touch-screen that provides an improved view of anatomy and instruments
- Audio-visual alerts that ensure the surgeon and operating room team are constantly aware of system status and functions
- Reduced complications
- Reduced hospital stays
- Reduced recovery time
- Requires just a few tiny incisions for minimal scarring
- Faster post-surgery recovery (days versus weeks)
- Significantly less pain and less blood loss
- Less risk of infection
- Faster return to normal activities
- Overall increased satisfaction
