At the world-renowned Harefield Hospital, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, lung cancer patients can now benefit from innovative robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS). Using Intuitive’s da Vinci 5 (dV5) robotic surgical platform, the hospital’s expert thoracic surgeons can perform minimally invasive complex lung procedures with enhanced precision.
Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery
The dV5 is the most sophisticated generation of Intuitive’s da Vinci surgical systems, enabling advanced thoracic surgery through small incisions. At Harefield, surgeons can perform procedures through just 3-5 incisions measuring 8-12mm using the robotic platform.
Surgeons access the thoracic cavity using small surgical instruments and a 3D camera that provides a magnified, high-definition view of the chest cavity. The robotic instruments replicate the surgeon’s hand movements in real time from a console.
Advanced technology for precision surgery
Compared with previous da Vinci models, the dV5 has significant technological and sensing advancements, including 10,000 times greater computing power. Its innovative Force Feedback technology enables surgeons to sense tissue resistance during procedures, supporting more refined control during complex surgery and helping to reduce tissue trauma.
The system also features enhanced 3D visualisation and wristed instruments that provide exceptional dexterity within the chest cavity, enabling highly precise dissection around delicate lung structures and supporting improved patient outcomes.
“The dV5 is currently the most innovative technology available for robotic surgery and, at Harefield Hospital, we’re the first thoracic unit in the country to have it,” says Mr Nizar Asadi, consultant thoracic surgeon.
Benefits to patients
Advancements in robotic technology associated with the dV5 may offer several benefits compared with non-robotic and open surgery, including reduced post-operative pain and scarring, less bleeding, lower risk of infection, and shorter hospital stays. It can also provide a minimally invasive option for some higher-risk surgical patients.
“The dV5 has numerous benefits for our lung cancer patients undergoing thoracic surgery,” explains Miss Emma Beddow, consultant thoracic surgeon. “The arrival of the dV5 at Harefield further strengthens our reputation as one of the UK’s leading thoracic centres and reflects our commitment to managing the most complex lung cancer cases with excellent results.”
- Find out more at: gstspecialistcare.co.uk
