Da Vinci Surgical Robot Injury Attorneys

The da Vinci surgical robot was the first robotic surgery system to gain approval through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000. When it first appeared, its manufacturer, Intuitive Surgical, promised the da Vinci surgical robot would enhance surgeons’ precision during operations, improving outcomes for patients. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the device was quickly adopted. Since 2007, the worldwide use of surgical robots has tripled. Unfortunately, there have been many reports of surgical complications with the da Vinci system, including burns, infections, organ punctures, tears, and even death.

What is the Da Vinci Surgical Robot?

The da Vinci surgical robot is an impressive piece of engineering that can accomplish much finer movements than human hands. The surgeon sits behind the surgical robot, controlling its four arms, and monitoring the procedure on a screen. Three arms hold tools to make incisions, and the fourth is attached to an endoscope for the surgeon to see inside a patient’s body. The medical device tends to lessen blood loss on the operating table, but data is unclear on whether it improves overall outcomes of operations. This has not stopped Intuitive Surgical from heavily marketing its product as an ideal tool for neck surgery, prostate surgery, and thyroid removal, though currently there is limited evidence to suggest its effectiveness in these surgeries.

Da Vinci Patients Can Suffer Injury or Death

Machines are only as effective as the people operating them, and though a surgeon might be highly skilled, safely performing a da Vinci operation requires proper training. However, no standardized guidelines exist on training or credentialing for use of the da Vinci surgical robot beyond the information provided by Intuitive Surgical itself, though the need for such training clearly exists. Da Vinci patients can suffer any of the following complications:

Burns
Tears
Infection
Organ perforation
Organ failure
Internal bleeding
Death

Injured Da Vinci Surgical System Patients Can Seek Legal Representation

If you or a loved one has suffered or even died as the result of a da Vinci operation, you may be thinking that Intuitive Surgical ought to be held accountable – and you may be right. You will not be alone — Intuitive Surgical disclosed to the US Securities and Exchange Commission that it was the defendant in nearly 100 product liability lawsuits. Surgical mistakes can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering, as well as lost income and adverse psychological effects.

Choose the Medical Malpractice Experts at Gruber Law

You deserve to be heard and you deserve to be compensated. If you think you have a case, it is strongly advised that you connect with Gruber Law Offices, LLC to speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a lawyer?

An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you explore whether or not you may be eligible to receive compensation for injury or death caused by the da Vinci surgical robot. Filing your own lawsuit or choosing an inexperienced law firm could ruin your chance at receiving justice. A skilled lawyer will be able to offer you the guidance you need as you consider all your legal options.

Why is the da Vinci surgical robot unsafe?

The da Vinci robot does not yet have a robust training program for surgeons beyond what the maker of the da Vinci surgical system offers. This lack of standardized training and credentialing process yields an inconsistency in surgeon preparation, which can result in injury or death.

Can I have a free consultation?
Yes! Gruber Law Offices, LLC offers free consultations to anyone who has been injured by a da Vinci robot. Call us today to speak with an experienced and caring attorney. One Call… That’s All.