The da Vinci surgical robot is a device that is controlled by surgeons and performs various surgical maneuvers. It was designed to make complex surgeries less invasive, thereby reducing the amount of recovery and blood loss incurred by the patient. However, in practice, the da Vinci surgical robot may result in injury to patients. A number of lawsuits have been filed by patients who claim they suffered serious injuries after undergoing procedures in which the da Vinci surgical robot was used. At Harrell & Nowak, LLC, our New Orleans personal injury attorneys accept da Vinci surgical robot cases. Read on to learn when the da Vinci surgical robot is used, the injuries that may result from its use, and who may be considered at fault for such injuries.
When Is the da Vinci Surgical Robot Used?
The da Vinci surgical robot may be used in the following types of surgical procedures:
- Gall bladder removal
- Gastric bypass
- Hysterectomy
- Prostate removal
- Thyroid cancer surgery
- Cardiothoracic procedures
- Gynecology procedures
- General surgical procedures
- Urology procedures
Common Injuries
Patients have reported a number of injuries that may be associated with use of the da Vinci surgical robot. These include:
- Surgical burns to surrounding organs, vessels or tissue
- Punctures to nearby organs, vessels, or arteries
- Intestinal tears
- Sepsis
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Internal bleeding
- Hematoma
- Peritonitis (swelling of abdominal lining; can cause discomfort)
- Fistulas
- Organ ruptures
- Bowel injuries
- Bladder injuries
- Ureter injuries
- Vaginal cuff injuries
- Death
Who Is at Fault?
Several product liability lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer of the da Vinci surgical robot, Intuitive Surgical. These lawsuits allege that Intuitive Surgical:
- Designed a defective product: According to lawsuits, the surgical robot’s arms do have sufficient insulation, allowing the device’s electrical current to damage surrounding structures.
- Failed to adequately instruct surgeons: Current lawsuits claim that the manufacturers of the device failed to adequately train or instruct surgeons on safe and proper use of the device (Intuitive Surgical covers the cost of a two-day training course for two surgeons when a hospital buys the da Vinci surgical robot; the hospital or medical facility is then responsible for continued training).
- Failed to warn surgeons and consumers of potential dangers: According to lawsuits, Intuitive Surgical did not sufficiently report on long-term outcomes, may have downplayed the risk of complications, and did not perform adequate safety and efficacy testing of the da Vinci surgical robot in comparison to other surgical and laparoscopic techniques.
In addition, medical malpractice lawsuits may be filed in da Vinci surgical robot injury cases.
- Insufficient training: Injured patients may file a lawsuit against the hospital or medical facility for inadequate training in use of the da Vinci surgical robot.
- Surgeon malpractice: A suit may be filed against the surgeon who performed the surgery.
Our New Orleans medical malpractice and product liability attorneys can handle da Vinci surgical robot injury claims. Contact Harrell & Nowak today to schedule a case review with us. We can determine if you have a viable case and are entitled to compensation for your injuries.