The da Vinci robot, the high-tech device popular in hospital operating rooms, is under scrutiny over reports of problems, including several deaths that may be linked with it. The Associated Press reports there have been a few disturbing, freak incidents: a robotic hand that wouldn’t let go of tissue grasped during surgery and a robotic arm hitting a patient in the face as she lay on the operating table. The Food and Drug Administration is looking into a spike in reported problems during robotic surgeries. Earlier this year, the FDA began a survey of surgeons using the robotic system. The agency conducts such surveys of devices routinely, but FDA spokeswoman Synim Rivers said the reason for it now “is the increase in number of reports received” about da Vinci. Many U.S. hospitals promote robotic surgery in patient brochures, online and even on highway billboards. Their aim is partly to attract business that helps pay for the costly robot.
By Michael W. McGuckin, Esquire. Attorney for the Reading, Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law Firm of Liever, Hyman & Potter, P. C. which limits their practice to medical malpractice, wrongful death cases, premises liability, nursing home neglect, car, truck and motorcycle accidents, and work injuries. Serving Berks, Schuylkill and surrounding counties for over 50 years.