History of the da Vinci
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) began to come into use about 25 years ago. Although MIS was revolutionary in its positive effect on patient trauma and recovery times, it had significant technical drawbacks. Surgeons operated using a standard 2D monitor instead of looking at their hands. The resulting image flattened the natural depth of field, and the fixed-wrist instruments limited the surgeon’s dexterity. The lack of 3D visualization of the operative field, the poor ergonomic design and reduced control were major roadblocks to further progress. As a result, this type of minimally invasive surgery turned out to be suitable for only a narrow range of surgical procedures.
In the late 1990s, surgical technique evolved further with the application of robotics technology. At the forefront of this new era, Intuitive Surgical introduced the da Vinci® Surgical System.
The product is called "da Vinci" in part because Leonardo da Vinci invented the first robot. He also used unparalleled anatomical accuracy and three-dimensional details to bring his masterpieces to life. The da Vinci® Surgical System similarly provides physicians with such enhanced detail and precision that the system can simulate an open surgical environment while allowing operation through tiny incisions.