Robotic surgical systems are being developed to provide surgeons with unprecedented control over precision instruments. This is particularly useful for minimally invasive surgery.

Instead of manipulating surgical instruments, surgeons use their thumbs and fingers to move joystick handles on a control console to maneuver two robot arms containing miniature instruments that are inserted into ports in the patient. The surgeon’s movements transform large motions on the remote controls into micro-movements on the robot arms to greatly improve mechanical precision and safety.

A third robot arm holds a miniature camera, which is inserted through a small opening into the patient. The camera projects highly magnified 3-D images on a console to give a broad view of the interior surgical site.

The surgeon controlling the robot is seated at an ergonomically designed console with less physical stress than traditional operating room conditions.

UCI Medical Center’s da Vinci Surgical System is currently approved for gall bladder, prostrate, colorectal, gynecological, esophageal and gastric bypass procedures. Clinical trials are underway for vascular repair and coronary bypass surgery. The Zeus Robotic Surgical System is presently used for cardiac surgery.