About 24 percent of all surgical mistakes are caused by technology problems or equipment failure, according to research recently published in BMJ Quality and Safety. The study is alarming, as the use of complex technology in the operating room has risen dramatically. It's becoming apparent that the prevalence of computer-driven instruments, such as the da Vinci robotic surgical system, brings its own set of risks to surgery.
Study: Procedure For Robotic Surgery Needs Safety Upgrade
Robotic surgical systems have recently come under scrutiny after many patients have suffered poor outcomes. Lawsuits allege that surgeons, hospitals and robotic device manufacturers, such as Intuitive Surgical, Inc., all bear blame for botched procedures. Fortunately, a recent study found that many robotic surgery errors can be prevented by a relatively simple checklist.
Sales Of Da Vinci Surgical System Often Put Patients At Risk
If you have a scheduled surgery you may want to call your doctor to make sure you aren't going to be his or her "guinea pig" for learning a new, robotic surgical system. It's happened to thousands of patients, who only become aware of it after they are seriously injured and initiate a medical malpractice suit. Fred E. Taylor was one such patient.
Da Vinci system proves dangerous in the hands of some surgeons
The da Vinci Surgical System is a robotic instrument that allows surgeons to create tiny incisions in their patients. The device purportedly allows surgeons to create incisions with a level of accuracy that cannot be achieved by the traditional tools of hands and a scalpel.