Robotic assisted cardiothoracic surgery introduced in South Africa
Expanding the robotic assisted programme in South Africa
More cardiothoracic applications in the pipeline
The use of da Vinci robotics technology makes it possible for intricate procedures to be performed deep within the chest without the need for large incisions, splitting of the sternum or opening the chest through the ribcage.
The surgeon controls the robotic arms from a console in the theatre, which acts as an extension of his fingers and hands. This provides the surgeon with a greater range of movement and steadiness of hand during the surgery.
The robotic system enables the surgeon to perform intricate surgery with more precision by means of the system’s robotic arms which enter the chest through small punctures.
A large full colour screen with three dimensional (3D) images gives the surgeon excellent, magnified vision, much better than in traditional open surgery.