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more bloodless field during tumor removal, says
Dr. Bourne.
Robots can do more than improve outcomes,
says Dr. Redan, who notes many use it as a mar-
keting tool to attract patients and surgeons (see
"Are Robots Worth the Hefty Price Tag?"). As
more surgeons learn and prefer the robot, it can
be especially helpful in bringing cases to your
facility. "At this point, there are many surgeons
who will only do certain cases on the robot, so
facilities must have the technology to generate
business," says Dr. Bourne.
Right on the cusp
Dr. Redan says we are right on the cusp of new robotic technology and models
that will make the machines safer and more accessible to facilities and patients.
Manufacturers are taking robotic technology and translating it to handheld
"smart" instruments used for complex procedures such as partial knee replace-
ments, while others work on their own full surgical robots. Dr. Redan says that
he's tested a few of the upcoming models, and while he can't dish the details, it's
going to be a "very big market" soon. "There will be other platforms on the mar-
ket within 2 years," he says.
These new systems will likely reduce the technology's cost and make it more
comparable to a high-end laparoscope priced at $70,000 to $140,000, says Dr.
Redan. When you take the steep cost out of the picture and look at its current
features, as well as future potential for EMR integration, real-time ultrasound
and the ability to perform mock surgeries, it becomes easier to see a future
robot revolution in the OR. "If you add in those benefits," says Dr. Redan, "why
wouldn't you buy the robot?"
OSM
z COMMAND CENTER The surgical con-
sole, located outside of the sterile field,
controls every movement of the robot.
Andrew
E.
Bourne,
MD
E-mail kgapinski@outpatientsurgery.net.
