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It sounds like a scene from a science fiction movie... a four-armed robotic-assisted device performing surgery on human patients. But it's no movie, it's the latest surgical revolution available coming to Presbyterian Hospital that is changing the way doctors and patients look at surgery. This computer enhanced surgical system integrates the best features of minimally invasive and traditional surgery and will be installed at Presbyterian Hospital on Tuesday, September 28, 2004. The acquisition of the da Vinci Surgical System currently makes Presbyterian Hospital the only hospital in Charlotte to offer patients the benefits of one of the most advanced minimally invasive surgery technologies available. Surgeries will begin mid to late October.

Presbyterian Hospital will initially use the da Vinci system for Atrial Septal Defect Repair, Mitral Valve Repair and radical prostatectomy, or prostate removal surgery. The da Vinci Surgical System was the first of its kind to be judged safe and effective by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The da Vinci system offers clear advantages to patients. The da Vinci system reduces the size of the surgical incision, the length of stay and risk of infection which means a faster, more comfortable return to normal activity.

The da Vinci system is commonly referred to as a robot, but the device is actually controlled by the surgeon. The da Vinci system offers direct 3-D visualization, full range of motion and an intuitive sense of control for surgeons. This device does things the surgeon's hands cannot physically do. It makes the right and left hand ambidextrous. It eliminates tremor. It scales back delicate hand movements to an even more precise level. It allows surgeons to perform more complex procedures through pencil-sized incisions.

Seated at the console of the da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons view a 3-D image of the patient's body and use a joystick-like instrument to manipulate small instruments inserted through small chest incisions. The robotic arms mimic the natural movements of the hand and fingers. The robot's built-in computer enhances the surgeon's hand movements, making them more precise which is especially important in delicate bypass and valve surgery and can reduce complications like impotence and incontinence for prostate removal. This provides patients an increased quality of life sooner after their treatment.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with a surgeon, please call 704-384-4119.