Parker Waichman LLP

Lawsuit Raises Questions About Push for Robotic Surgery

Significant questions about the safety of robotic surgery and the quality of training surgeons. A lawsuit set for trial in April raises significant questions about the safety of robotic surgery.  and the quality of training surgeons. Josette Taylor brought the against Intuitive Surgical Inc., the manufacturer of the da Vinci robot system used in her husband’s […]

Robotic Surgery

Significant questions about the safety of robotic surgery and the quality of training surgeons. A lawsuit set for trial in April raises significant questions about the safety of robotic surgery.  and the quality of training surgeons.

Josette Taylor brought the against Intuitive Surgical Inc., the manufacturer of the da Vinci robot system used in her husband’s 2008 prostate surgery.

Fred Taylor suffered injuries and complications, including kidney and lung damage, sepsis and a stroke, that led to his death last year. Documents in the court filing reveal that Taylor’s surgeon had never before used the robotic equipment without supervision, The New York Times reports.

Hospitals are responsible for training and credentialing surgeons for robot systems

Hospitals are responsible for training and credentialing surgeons for robot systems, but company emails suggest that Intuitive sales representatives often pressed for lower standards, which would increase the number of surgeons using the robots, the Times writes.

Sales representatives presented themselves as experts on the system and sometimes were even present in operating rooms, advising surgeons. Company emails also show that Intuitive sales staff were urged to persuade surgeons to choose the da Vinci procedure even when they were planning to use a different method, according to the Times.

Nearly 1,400 U.S. hospitals currently use the da Vinci system

Nearly 1,400 U.S. hospitals currently use the da Vinci system, and about half a million robotic procedures were performed worldwide last year, The New York Times says. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the sale of the da Vinci system under a controversial pre-market approval process that allows a manufacturer to bring a device to market without rigorous safety trials by claiming the device is similar to devices already on the market. Under this type of approval, the FDA “cannot require training programs as a condition of clearance,” said FDA spokeswoman Synim Rivers.

Researchers are now studying outcomes, comparing robotic surgery to more conventional minimally invasive methods.  A recent study of robotically assisted hysterectomies found no overall difference in complication rates, according to the Times, but the robotic surgeries cost about one-third more.

Need Legal Help Regarding Robotic Surgery?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
The best lawyer company I have ever met, very attentive, very concerned about my case, especially Jorge Peniche, who helped me with everything with my medication, my therapy, and followed up on my case from the beginning. It is a company that I recommend to all my friends. Friends Parker Waichman
Nestor Herrera
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism Mr. Silverstein and Ms.Michelle Josama were excellent! Both were very knowledgeable about the case that we brought to them. We were very comfortable throughout this process and would retain their services in the future.”
Jason Bivens
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
So grateful for the great team at Parker Waichman. Julie, Maryann and Jorge were there for me from the very beginning treating me like family. They kept full communication with me through the entire process and took all the weight off my shoulders. Thanks again to you all!
Jorbel Mateo
2 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038