Summary

The da Vinci System consists of the Surgeon Console with two Master controls and an integrated 3D display Stereo Viewer, the Surgical Cart with a camera arm and three instrument arms, and the Vision Cart which contains the camera and image processing equipment.

This system was the first in Australia when it was installed at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond in 2003. It was mostly used to do prostate operations. Since then the use of these systems has expanded to different surgical procedures and by 2013 there were 23 systems in Australia. It is significant in being the first machine in Australia and coming from the Epworth Hospital Melbourne, a leader in the technology's use and training in Australia.

The system has robot arms with surgical tools and a camera controlled by a surgeon seated at a separate console. The tools are tiny and have a 'wrist' giving them a wide range of movement. The camera provides a magnified stereo view allowing the surgeon to see detail and depth. Other members of the surgical team work around the patient.

From the first da Vinci operation in Melbourne ten years ago, surgeons performed over 3500 prostate operations robotically in 2012, and da Vinci systems are used in dozens of hospitals across Australia. The types of operations are increasing, too - including removing tumours from the uterus, bowel and kidneys, and repairing cardiac valves. An added benefit is that the ergonomics of operating is much kinder on the bodies of the surgeons; instead of many hours on their feet, bending awkwardly, the surgeon sits comfortably at the console.

Physical Description

Consists of the Surgeon Console with two Master controls and an integrated 3D display Stereo Viewer, the Surgical Cart with a camera arm and three instrument arms, and the Vision Cart which contains the camera and image processing equipment.

Significance

This da Vinci Surgical system was the first in Australia when it was installed at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond in 2003. It was mostly used to do prostate operations. Since then the use of these systems has expanded to different surgical procedures and by 2013 there were 23 systems in Australia. It is significant in being the first machine in Australia and coming from the Epworth Hospital Melbourne, a leader in the technology's use and training in Australia.

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