Robotic Technology Is Changing the Operating Room

Robotic instruments and other technologic advances in the operating room (OR) are improving minimally invasive procedures and other techniques as well as patient outcomes. Computer Motion (Santa Barbara, CA, USA), a leading supplier of robotic surgery instruments, has introduced a trilogy of product platforms to create what it calls the Intelligent Operating Room, a network of voice-controlled equipment and instrumentation.

A surgical robot serves as an endoscopic positioner and automates the task of holding and positioning the endoscope, giving the surgeon direct control over the operative image during procedures. The robot, called Aesop, was recently successfully used in a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy procedure.

A voice-control system called Hermes recognizes only the surgeon's prerecorded voice model, allowing the surgeon immediate and direct control over peripheral devices and enabling the OR team to focus more on the patient than on monitoring devices. A robotic surgical system comprises an ergonomic surgeon control console with three table-mounted robotic arms. Called Zeus, the system is used in conjunction with Aesop and Hermes, serving as the surgeon's hands and eyes in open surgeries or minimally invasive procedures. Both Aesop and Hermes have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).



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