With the da Vinci, small 1-2 centimeter incisions are used to introduce very small instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. The da Vinci Surgical System consists of a surgeon’s console, a patient cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance vision system and patented Endowrist instruments.
At the surgeon’s console, the surgeon operates while seated comfortably, viewing a highly magnified 3D image of the body’s interior. To operate, the surgeon uses master controls that work like forceps. As the surgeon uses the controls, the da Vinci responds to the surgeon’s input in real time, translating his or her hand, wrist and finger movements into precise movements of very small instruments at the patient-side cart. The surgeon introduces these instruments into the body through a series of dime-sized incisions. A broad range of instrument types are available to help the surgeon perform specialized surgical tasks with precision and control.