The da Vinci SP is designed for minimally invasive procedures, allowing surgeons to navigate inside the body using a single arm, through a single incision. This system supports a variety of complex procedures and features an advanced patient cart, optimised and articulated instruments, and enhanced vision through a flexible, 3DHD endoscope.
The implementation of the technology at St Vincent’s is being led by highly respected urologist, Professor Philip Stricker AO, Chairman of the Department of Urology at St Vincent’s Private Hospital a leading pioneer in the treatment of prostate cancer in Australasia. He underwent training on the da Vinci SP in the US last year.
He said the da Vinci single-port system was “ground-breaking” in reducing recovery times for patients not only in prostate cancer patients but also for patients with kidney cancer and potentially those with bladder cancer.
“The difference in the recovery is quite dramatic - some patients can go home the same day as their surgery,” he said.
Professor Stricker, who has been performing robotic procedures for over 20 years and introduced other minimally invasive options, said the single-port robot would complement the suite of multi-port systems available at St Vincent’s. “It’s all about the right treatment for the right patient at the right time,” he said
Providing 360° access through a single port, the da Vinci SP’s single-arm design allows for greater manoeuvrability, particularly in complex procedures requiring narrow access surgery, alternative access surgery, and extraction site surgery, in a variety of surgical specialties such as Urology, Gynaecology, Thoracic, Head & Neck and General Surgery.
Equipped with a 3DHD, fully articulating endoscope, the system offers enhanced visualisation, allowing surgeons to see above, below, and around anatomy with exceptional clarity. Its flexible instruments, with wrist and elbow-like movements, provide an improved range of motion compared to the human hand, enabling precise and minimally invasive procedures.
St Vincent’s Associate Professor Richard Gallagher said the da Vinci SP system is particularly well-suited for ENT (otolaryngology) surgery because of how its design matches the anatomy and access challenges of the head and neck.
“The single-port system opens up the number of ENT patients who are suitable for robotic surgery,” he said.
The support of donors to the St Vincent's Curran Foundation's Precision Medicine and Robotics Fund has assisted greatly to ensure St Vincent's Private Hospital can remain at the forefront of robotic surgery.
The rollout of the da Vinci SP is being led by Device Technologies, a leading provider of innovative medical solutions for the ANZ Market.
Lisa Kirsch, Director of Sales - Surgical & Hospital at Device Technologies, said:
“This is a significant moment for St Vincent’s and the whole of NSW - the da Vinci SP is shifting the dial overseas when it comes to minimally invasive surgical procedures, so it’s important Australians are able to have access to this technology.
“St Vincent’s has always been one of the most innovative hospitals in the country and they’ve demonstrated it once more - we’re very pleased to be working with them on this implementation and excited to see the enhanced outcomes.”
