Robotic Device used in surgery

Allegheny General Hospital and West Penn Hospital each have their own Da Vinci Surgical System. The Machine was originally designed by NASA and used by the Dept. of Defense in battlefield operations. The Da Vinci Surgical Machine has 6 robotic arms that are controlled by a surgeon from an interactive console. Offering 3 dimensional images of up to 15 times optical zoom, a surgeon can make smaller incisions and perform invasive procedures with more accuracy and increased safety to the patient. Dr. Eugene Scioscia has used the device and says it has increased the movements available in invasive procedures. It takes approximately two months of training on the two million dollar machine before a surgeon will use it on a patient. Currently the machine is used in treatment of prostate cancer and various gynecological conditions. The machines effectiveness in cardiac surgery is currently being explored.