DA VINCI SURGICAL ROBOT SURGERY COMPLICATIONS
The da Vinci Surgical System is a remote-controlled robot manufactured and marketed by Intuitive Surgery, Inc. for use in various types of surgery throughout the United States. Since it was approved in the United States in 2000, surgery with the da Vinci robot has been touted as providing less invasive surgery with smaller incisions and reduced recovery times. However, time has shown that more and more patients may be suffering serious and life-threatening complications and problems from da Vinci robotic surgery.
Problems with the robotic system include potential design defects and a failure to provide adequate training, instructions and warnings on use of the device. You may have a valid medical malpractice and /or product liability claim if you have undergone da Vinci robot surgery and have suffered:
- Surgical Burns to Arteries or Organs
- Tears or Perforation of Arteries or Organs
- Additional Surgical Procedures Following Robot Surgery
- Wrongful Death Due to da Vinci Robotic Surgery Complications
At a cost between $1-2 million, plus annual maintenance expenses well over $100,000 per year, many surgeons are pushed to use the da Vinci surgical robot to help hospitals recover costs.
As a result of aggressive marketing, there is a belief within the medical community that hospitals are at a competitive disadvantage if they do not have a da Vinci robot for surgical procedures, even though there is an absence of reliable scientific data demonstrating that it is better for patients.
Research has suggested that surgeons may require as many as 200 cases for some procedures before they become proficient with da Vinci robotic surgery, minimal and insufficient training is available for physicians by the manufacturer and hospitals. Research has suggested that while a surgeon is learning the new techniques of robotic surgery, many patients will experience outcomes that are inferior to what might otherwise have occurred with an experienced surgeon.
Lawsuits over the da Vinci robot allege that many physicians are not adequately trained or proctored on the proper use of the device, which may increase the risk of complications and injuries for patients.
In addition to training problems, design defects with the da Vinci surgical robot may be responsible for serious and potentially life-threatening burn related injuries. In some cases, the monopolar energy used with the da Vinci system may cause injuries to surrounding parts of the body. The electrical current may also pass outside the surgical field as a result of potential problems with insulation for the arms, which may become worn or torn in places, without awareness of the surgeon.
Cuts, tears and burns may be suffered by nearby arteries or internal organs, which often go undetected for some time after surgery. These da Vinci robot injuries may result in severe complications days later, which require additional surgery, cause permanent injury or death.
The product liability and medical malpractice lawyers at Fodera & Long, P.C. are reviewing potential lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States who have experienced serious injury or death following robotic surgery where the da Vinci Surgical Robot was used. Contact one of our experienced attorneys for a free consultation at (215)569-1212.
