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"When you're trying to cut a vessel in 2D, you first feel it with the instruments to
determine where it sits," he explains. "With robotics, you just reach over as if
you're operating with your own hands and cut it."
Dr. Patel believes a surgeon typically needs 20 cases to operate the machine
safely, and 50 to 100 cases to achieve good outcomes.
Future growth
Robotic surgery will only gain in popularity and use, says Dr. Schabowsky. "I
foresee smaller instruments that can be used to perform more complicated and
delicate procedures, where it's much more difficult to maneuver using conven-
tional instrumentation," he says. "I also hope robotic manufacturers design sys-
tems for notoriously debilitating cases, not just the highest-volume procedures."
Dr. Patel believes expanding the robotic surgery market will be good for the
technology's evolution. "Innovation is inspired by competition," he says.
"Companies with expertise beyond surgery will make the robot and its imaging
that much better. The future is very bright."
OSM
