Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/447803
h&W: Since the robot first rolled onto the medical scene in 2000, its presence has exploded in hospitals and specialties across the board (the maker reports more than 1.5 million surgeries performed). Why has its use become so widespread, particularly in your specialty of general surgery? canfield: Partly because it is a state-of-the-art technology that has only continued to improve. For instance, one advancement since its inception that now comes standard on its latest system is called the Firefly, an illuminating fluorescence imaging system that allows us to see the bile ducts and the blood supply clearly, which can lead to more precise surgery with less blood loss. It also has a vessel-sealing technology that is especially rolling with the robot da Vinci system Moves into More surgical specialties at P/sL by Debra Melani The reach of the four-armed da Vinci Surgical System continues to grow at Presbyterian/ St. Luke's Medical Center, the first hospital in the region to offer the robotic technology more than 10 years ago. With the increased skill level of HealthONE surgeons at performing the minimally-invasive surgery, P/SL doctors are using the robot's helping hands within more specialties. Below, Dr. Anthony Canfield, Medical Director of the Center for Robotic Surgery at P/SL, talks about why the technology remains a priority. Dr. Anthony Canfield with Advanced Laparoscopic and General Surgery, and the team at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center recently added the latest version of the da Vinci surgical system (not shown here) to the department. photo: Jamie Kraus 14 • Medical Profile