da Vinci FAQs

How long has Covenant been doing surgeries with da Vinci®?
Covenant spent $1.65 million in 2009 to buy its first da Vinci® high-definition robotic surgical system. The robot has served as the centerpiece for the Covenant Advanced Robotic Surgery program and our expertise has made us the leader in the region for robotic surgery.
Covenant has performed more than 10,000 robotic surgeries since investing in our first robot and there are currently four robots used at Covenant: three da Vinci X and one da Vinci Xi system. Covenant has the only robotic program in the area that has a dual console and teaching simulator.

Does a robot perform the surgery?
No. The system simulates an “open” surgical environment while allowing incredibly precise operation through several tiny incisions in the patient.
A highly trained and experienced surgeon sits at a computerized console that translates his or her commands in real-time movements to miniature robotic arms. A 3-D, high-definition screen gives the surgeon an incredible view, thanks to a miniature camera also placed inside the patient. The robot cannot be programmed or make decisions on its own to move in any way or perform any type of surgical maneuver without the surgeon’s input.

Where are robotic surgeries performed at Covenant?
All three robots are located in the Covenant-Harrison campus. There are three medical suites that have been constructed for the da Vinci® robots.

What kinds of surgeries have been done using the da Vinci®?
Worldwide, tens of thousands of procedures including general, urologic, gynecologic, colorectal, ENT, thoracoscopic and thoracoscopically-assisted cardiotomy procedures have been performed using the da Vinci® Surgical System. We have successfully performed thousands of these robotic surgeries right here at Covenant HealthCare.

What are the benefits of da Vinci® surgery compared to traditional “open-cut” methods?
Doctors trained on the da Vinci® say there is greater surgical precision, increased range of motion and enhanced visualization. Patients may experience a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, less scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities. Each surgery, however, depends on the patient and the procedure.

Who makes the robot?
Intuitive Surgical of Sunnyvale, CA., makes the da Vinci®.

Why is it called the da Vinci® Surgical System?
Leonardo da Vinci invented the first robot in 1495. He also used unparalleled anatomical accuracy and 3-D details to bring his masterpieces to life. According to Intuitive Surgical, the da Vinci® Surgical System similarly gives physicians such enhanced detail and precision that the system can simulate an open surgical environment while allowing operation through tiny incisions.