UK health care provider HCA pioneers the use of robotic-assisted technology for thoracic surgical procedures on patients
London Bridge Hospital Introduces Revolutionary da Vinci SP System for Thoracic Surgery
In a groundbreaking development, London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, has become the first hospital in the UK to offer the da Vinci SP system for thoracic patients. This cutting-edge technology, which was made available to patients in the UK for the first time in March 2024, promises to transform the surgical landscape.
The da Vinci SP system, a single-port robotic surgical platform, offers several benefits for thoracic surgery. Its minimally invasive approach allows patients, typically those with lung cancer, to quickly return to daily life with minimal discomfort. This is made possible through a single, small incision (less than 3 cm), which reduces trauma and pain.
Key advantages for thoracic surgery specifically include:
- Minimally invasive approach through a single incision, reducing post-operative discomfort and scarring.
- Potential for use in patients with previous surgeries or extensive scar tissue, who might otherwise be unsuitable for multi-port robotic surgery.
- Enhanced precision and access due to the system’s multi-jointed, wristed instruments and 3D HD camera, all controlled robotically from a console.
- The capability to extend robotic-assisted techniques to thoracic surgery alongside other specialities, leveraging precision while prioritizing patient safety and quality of care.
- The system’s design potentially allows for surgery through natural orifices or alternative surgical approaches, further minimizing trauma.
Since the introduction of the da Vinci SP system, London Bridge Hospital has performed over 300 procedures with the system. This innovation complements its existing da Vinci Xi multi-port capabilities, maximizing precision, customization, and excellent patient outcomes for thoracic and other complex surgeries.
Mr Tom Routledge, who led the novel surgical approach, and his team underwent extensive training, including simulation and lab work, supervised by world-leading experts from South Korea and New York. David Marante, VP of Intuitive UK & Ireland, Italy & Iberia, congratulated the team at London Bridge Hospital for pioneering the use of the da Vinci SP system for robotic-assisted thoracic surgery in the UK.
The adoption of the da Vinci SP system is a testament to the expertise and commitment across HCA Healthcare UK's network, to innovation. It joins HCA UK's fleet of 8 da Vinci Xi surgical systems, including a system in The Harborne Hospital, the first of its kind to be used in the region's independent sector.
London Bridge Hospital's use of the da Vinci SP system builds on their existing robotic thoracic programme, which is already the largest independent programme in the UK. Cromwell Hospital has also recently become the first in the UK to perform gynaecology and HPB operations using da Vinci SP, further expanding the potential of this transformative technology.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the integration of advanced technologies like the da Vinci SP system plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes, reducing recovery times, and offering more minimally invasive surgical options.
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- The da Vinci SP system, recently introduced at London Bridge Hospital, represents a significant advancement in the digital health domain, particularly within the medical-conditions realm of cancer and health-and-wellness.
- Its adoption by London Bridge Hospital, the first in the UK to offer this technology, signifies a substantial shift in the medical industry, leveraging technology and finance to revolutionize surgical procedures.
- This single-port robotic surgical platform, designed for thoracic surgery, promises to reshape the industry by offering minimally invasive approaches to patients, enhancing precision and access while prioritizing patient safety and quality of care.
- As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, with advancements in science and technology, the integration of systems like the da Vinci SP is anticipated to lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced recovery times, and an increased availability of minimally invasive surgical options.
