Intuitive Surgical, the manufacturer of the da Vinci surgical robot, is planning to roll out its new Single-Site Instrumentation Set in the U.S. after receiving FDA clearance for the tools' use in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the company has announced.
The instruments, compatible with the da Vinci Si model, include a single-site port, specialized curved cannulae and 5mm semi-rigid instruments. They aim to combine the previously 3-port robot's precision with single-incision surgery's benefits, while alleviating the instrument crowding and "swordfighting" common to manual laparoscopic procedures.
Industry observers say the single-incision accessories, which earned European medical authorities' clearance in February, may eventually find use reducing incisions in urological and gynecological laparoscopic surgeries as well.
David Bernard
