Porter Health System is hoping to be one of the first hospitals in Indiana to remove a gallbladder through the belly button using the da Vinci Si, the latest in the surgical system of robots. “It is an effective, minimally invasive alternative to open surgery and is FDA approved for removal of gallbladder,” says Josh Martin, who is with the da Vinci Surgical System. The robot uses 3D vision and articulating arms to perform surgery at a level many surgeons haven’t been able to because of the lack of technology.
As Stewart McMillan was standing beside the robot, Josh insisted he give it “a drive.” McMillan took a seat and pressed his forehead against something that looked like an eye exam machine. McMillan said everything was blurry, but within a matter of seconds he saw everything in spectacular high-definition 3-D .
He then put a small device over his index fingers and thumbs. Soon the robot’s arms were moving as McMillan beside it with an amazing view and complete control of the robot. "This is unbelievable how that 3D vision pops in," McMillan exclaimed. As McMillan moved his arm and pinched his index finger and thumb together, the robot’s arm moved and picked up a penny.
As McMillan finished his turn with the da Vinci Si his phone rang. He told the person on the other end, "I'm in the lobby playing with the robot. You gotta come see this!"
Click here to see more photos of the robot!
