U.S. Clears New Use for Robot-Like Surgical Device

Intuitive Surgical Inc. won U.S. approval to market its robot-like surgical device for use in coronary artery bypass surgery, U.S. regulators said on Wednesday.

Intuitive Surgical Inc. won U.S. approval to market its robot-like surgical device for use in coronary artery bypass surgery, U.S. regulators said on Wednesday. The device enables surgeons to perform heart surgery while seated at a console with a computer and video monitor. The surgeons control three robotic arms using hand grips and foot pedals. The arms have built in “wrists” to give surgeons better manipulation ability during surgery, the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement. “The development of this system for use in the heart is a step forward in new robotic technology that eventually could change the practice of heart surgery,” Acting FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford said. The system, called the Da Vinci Endoscopic Instrument Control System, already is sold for use in gall bladder and some other surgeries. (Source: FDA: Reuters Health News: July 2004)