The words “da Vinci” conjure up images of an intelligence that worked to improve upon existing conditions.

Many of the conceptual works Leonardo da Vinci wrote about and drew (e.g., helicopters, airplanes, and human anatomy) foreshadowed and paved the way for modern day technology.

One vital area where current technology is rapidly improving resides in the field of medical technology, namely, in the use of robotic surgery.

“New technology is a centralizing force here at the Madigan Army Medical Center,” commented Dr. Timothy Brand, a urologic oncologist. “We are at the center of some very innovative and cutting-edge technology.”

Some of this innovative technology comes in the form of the da Vinci robotic surgical system designed to perform radical prostatectomies, the removal of cancerous prostate glands.

A robot?

“Not exactly,” explained Brand.  “The da Vinci does not actually do the surgery; the doctors do.”

The da Vinci system is a state-of-the-art, computer enhanced, finely honed surgical wonder that allows surgeons to perform the most precise and least invasive prostatectomies.

Sitting at a consul, the surgeon views the surgical area in three dimensions while simultaneously controlling the system’s arms and movements. The control of the arms is painstakingly accurate and precise.

Brand proceeded to demonstrate the da Vinci’s robotic skills by expertly stitching up a practice pad on a table 10 feet to his left.

It was as though he had done the sutures.  As it were, he had directed the da Vinci to perform the work.

The value to the patient of this technology is that it results in shorter hospital stays, significantly less pain, less blood loss, less scarring, and quicker recovery.

“The applications of this kind of technology are limitless,” said Brand as he prepared to go into surgery. “Patients are well served by technology like this.”

Leonardo da Vinci would agree.