New version of ground-breaking da Vinci robot is unveiled

Published: 22-Apr-2014

New da Vinci Xi surgical system adds new overhead instrument arm architecture designed to facilitate anatomical access from any position

Intuitive Surgical has announced the launch of the da Vinci Xi surgical system, which represents a technological leap forward over previous versions of the robotic-assisted surgery system.

da Vinci systems feature a vision system, patient-side cart, a console, and proprietary surgical instruments. 3D images of the surgical field are viewed by the surgeon seated at the console and the movements intended by the surgeon are transmitted by natural positioning of instruments via the system’s robotic arm. For more than 10 years, these systems have been used as minimally-invasive alternatives to open surgery, but with the new da Vinci Xi, the goal was to further advance the technology and enhance the robot’s surgical performance.

The new system expands upon the aforementioned original model by adding new overhead instrument arm architecture designed to facilitate anatomical access from any position.

"The da Vinci Xi System's new overhead architecture means that multi-quadrant surgery can be performed without repositioning the system, an innovation long sought by surgeons who perform complex procedures," said Gary Guthart, Intuitive Surgical president and chief executive.

In addition to the new overhead architecture, da Vinci Xi features a more-compact endoscope camera that has improved visual definition and clarity over the previous model. The system also now has the ability to attach this endoscope camera to any of its arm, which provides flexibility for visualising the surgical site. Lastly, the robot has thinner arms, newly-designed joints, and longer instrument shafts to provide a greater range of motion and reach.

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