Abstract
Aim: Based on experience with 150 robot-assissted vascular reconstructions, the authors discuss current potential applications of the Da Vinci robotic system in vascular surgery. Material and Methodology: Robot-assisted surgery is the next step in the development of miniinvasive methods.
From November 2005 to August 2009, the authors performed 150 robot-assisted vascular reconstructions in the aorto-iliac region. Besides aorto-femoral reconstructions, the most significant procedures also included aortic aneurysm procedures, procedures on pelvic and splenic arteries, as well as hybrid procedures.
Results: In four cases (2.7%) conversion to classical procedures were required and four subjects (2.7%) developed serious postoperative complications. In a single case (0.7%), the robotic apparatus had a defect during the procedure and the procedure was completed using laparoscopy.
In a single case (0.7%), the procedure had to be cancelled because of an inoperable finding on the aorta.