June 20, 2013
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would be investigating problems reported with the use of the da Vinci® Surgical Robot system.
The robot’s popularity has boomed after being touted as an extremely non-invasive and effective method of performing numerous procedures. To date, more than 200,000 surgeries have been performed using the device. But, the higher volume of usage, and usage by surgeons who may be less experienced with the machine, the number of Da Vinci Surgical Robot Injuries has risen.
While many of the complaints stem from errors made by the doctor using the robot, the mechanics of the system have been blamed for mistakes as well. Several reports made to the FDA detail how the machine cauterized organ tissue with no command to do so. Another patient suffered heart tissue damage due to a mechanical error.
According to a report from HealthLeaders Media, these reports prompted the FDA to conduct a survey from a “small sample” of da Vinci users to determine what steps need to be taken to ensure patient safety when using the device.
The North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers with HensonFuerst recognize the risks involved with the use of a new piece of medical technology, but believe the patient should not suffer because of a mistake made by a machine or its user. The firm may be able to help anyone who has been hurt by the da Vinci system.
