First experiences with the da Vinci™ operating robot in thoracic surgery☆

The da Vinci surgical robotic system was purchased at our institution in June 2001. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the applicability of the da Vinci operation robot for general thoracic procedures.The da Vinci surgical system consists of a console connected to a surgical arm cart, a manipulator unit with two instrument arms and a central arm to guide the endoscope. The surgical instruments are introduced via special ports and attached to...