New era of robotic surgical systems

Abstract

Introduction: To provide an update on the current status of robotic systems for surgery and the companies that produce these systems.

Methods: A non-systematic literature review was performed by using the PubMED/MEDLINE electronic search engines. Existing patents for robotic companies and devices were researched by using the Google search engine.

Results: Since the da Vinci Surgical System's patent expired, we have been able to predict the future of robotic companies based on the various robotic systems being developed. Currently, various attempts are being made to create consoles, robotic arms, cameras, handles, and instruments and to implement specific functions (e.g. haptic feedback, eye tracking). Herein, the benefits and limitations of each technology are identified, and likely future developments are described.

Conclusions: The robotic surgical systems are continually being developed by various companies around the world. New technologies have been increasingly implemented to improve on the capabilities of previously established systems and surgical ergonomics. Future studies may need to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each robotic surgical system.

Keywords: da Vinci; patents; robotic surgical system.