Canyon Vista Medical Center unveiled Cochise County's only multispecialty surgical robot and invited the public to see and discover the new da Vinci Xi Surgical System in person. The event attracted health care professionals from a range of specialties to members of the public, and even children and teens interested in getting an up-close look at this technology.

The tiny tip of the surgical tool on the end of the robot surgical arms. Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
The tiny tip of the surgical tool on the end of the robot surgical arms. Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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Graham Coghlan Clinical Territory Associate with Intuitive Surgical, the maker of the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, explained the advantages of this technology.

"For years, surgeons have been using laparoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive surgery," he told me. "The procedure leaves the patient with less pain due to smaller incisions, which leads to fewer post-surgery complications, plus a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay."

"The Abdomen". Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
"The Abdomen". Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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The da Vinci Xi System, says Graham, is the next step. The robotic system, "extends the capabilities of the surgeon's eyes and hands." The surgeon is afforded a 3-dimensional view made possible with multiple cameras. In traditional laparoscopic surgery, an assistant maneuvers a single camera at the direction of the surgeon. With the daVinci system, the surgeon is able to manipulate the cameras, giving a closer view with 10 times magnification and a 3-dimensional experience.

Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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An external video monitor gives a view to other medical professionals throughout the course of the surgery, allowing assistants and other surgeons to observe procedures.

The da Vinci system won't be used for all surgeries, but it will specialize with a variety of abdominal surgeries.

A volunteer gets the surgeons view and tests the da Vinci Xi. Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
A volunteer gets the surgeons view and tests the da Vinci Xi. Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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Dr. Michael Thompson, DO, a general surgeon who has trained in minimally invasive and robotic surgery shared: “We are very excited about the addition of the robotic system to our portfolio of surgical offerings at Canyon Vista Medical Center. Not everyone is a candidate for robotic surgery, however, patients should consult with their doctor about the best surgical method for them individually.”

A volunteer operates the robotic controls. Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
A volunteer operates the robotic controls. Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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See the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot in action below and visit Canyon Vista Medical Center Facebook.

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