New da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot Arrives at MVHS

The St. Elizabeth Medical Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) is now home to a new daVinci Xi robot by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., which performs minimally invasive surgeries that allow for shorter recovery times among patients. This is the second robot for MVHS – the first is located at the St. Luke’s Campus. Both robots will be relocated to the Wynn Hospital for its opening on Sunday, October 29 of this year.

The da Vinci surgical systems are designed to help surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery through high-definition 3D vision, a magnified view and robotic and computer assistance. They use specialized instrumentation, including a miniaturized surgical camera and wristed instruments (i.e., scissors, scalpels and forceps) that are designed to help with precise dissection and reconstruction deep inside the body.

“In terms of robotic surgeries, we’re able to do very complex operations through very small incisions,” said Mark Crye, MD, director of Thoracic Surgery. “This allows patients to recover quickly, get out of the hospital sooner, and have as good or better outcomes as they would with open operations. We’re very excited to bring this opportunity to the patients in this area.”

The robot includes dual consoles, which allows more than one physician to access the robot simultaneously. It also comes with SimNow, a library of realistic simulations for practice of system skills, procedure training exercises and virtual reality experiences. SimNow provides simulation performance measurement and customizable curricula to manage skills development.

Photo caption: MVHS Director of Thoracic Surgery, Mark Crye, MD, is pictured performing a lobectomy using an MVHS da Vinci Xi robot. To use the robot, Dr. Crye takes a seat at the console, which provides 3D visuals and detailed multi-jointed controls that allow the user access to four robotic arms that perform minutely specific actions, such as moving a camera to find operable areas, removing a tumor, blotting and cauterization of wounds.