Evaluation Background: Surgical Robotic Systems and Related Devices for General Surgery

Here's background for our Evaluations and guidance on general-purpose surgical robotic systems and related devices. Learn how the devices are used, which specs are important, and what factors we test for. Also review our latest product ratings and ECRI Institute's data describing hospitals' interest in each model.

General-purpose surgical robots are used to perform minimally invasive or laparoscopic procedures. To be considered as a surgical robot for general surgery a device must be a software-driven system that translates a surgeon's hand motions to surgical instruments located within a patient's body. The system should have a minimum of three arms to accommodate a surgical endoscope for viewing the surgical field, and actions from both the surgeon's right and left hands.

While surgical robotics is a mature technology, new developments are expected over the next several years. Optional features and devices are available to expand the capabilities of the system and facilitate how the system is used.

Major components of a typical system include:

1. Patient-side robotic device: a multi-arm surgical robot with detachable instruments, mounted on a cart that can be moved around the patient.

2. Surgeon console: a workstation for the surgeon, with a surgical field viewer and controls to operate the robotic arms and instruments.

3. Vision system: a video system for viewing of the procedure. Video outputs may be integrated into the...