increase, but she
isn't certain that
competition in the
marketplace will
drive down the cost
of the technology to
make platforms
more affordable for
smaller facilities
with tight budgets,
at least not anytime
soon. She does point
out that many
financing options
are available for pur-
chasing the robot.
"Companies have gotten smarter about offering several different
financing programs from which facilities can choose," says Dr.
Ross. "You no longer have to pay for everything upfront."
Even if there's no way your facility can invest in a robotic platform,
there are ways to take advantage of a robotic-like performance with
"tableside" platforms that were created to provide some of the same
benefits as the full-scale robots, but without the seven-figure price tag.
There's even a $500 device that slips over the surgeon's wrist and
translates his movements to the tip of an integrated laparoscopic
instrument, allowing the surgeon to perform procedures with
robotic-like dexterity and precision.
Of course, as with any new technology that promises significant
cost savings, you'll want to proceed cautiously. "When I hear about
less-costly or less-capable systems, I always think about whether it
3 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 9
• NEW LOOK Healthcare futurists such as Rafael Grossmann, MD, FACS, predict a
surge in the use of augmented reality.
Rafael
Grossmann,
MD,
FACS
