Political and Legal Influences of Robotic Surgery - Essay Example

"Political and legal Influences of Robotic Surgery" is a perfect example of a paper on surgery and rehabilitation. 
Carreyrou, J. (2010). Surgical robot examined in injuries. Wall Street Journal, 1.l

            This article focuses on Leonardo da Vinci. This is the name given to the very sophisticated surgical robot system. Although the system allows for much more finite surgeries, that are much less invasive and require fewer recovery times, there have been a certain number of injuries that could be legally attributed to the device. Many surgeons have had to abandon the use of the robot in mid-surgery and continue the procedure traditionally; however, this incident resulted in the death of the patient. This is only one example. However, there are others, all of which could potentially become serious legal issues in the future as the use of robotic surgeries becomes much more common. The author explains that no actual action has been taken in these particular cases discussed in the article, but warns of the implications of the future. This article is helpful in the research on this topic because it is given actual, specific incidents, that given practical facts that will be entirely beneficial.

De Bernardo, R., Starks, D., Barker, N., Armstrong, A., & Kunos, C. A. (2011). Robotic surgery in

gynecologic oncology. Obstetrics and Gynecology International.

            This article focuses on the applications of robotic surgery in obstetric and gynecological situations. The authors make a strong point that the areas that of the issue that spawns the greatest amount of legal concern involve three specific points. The first is potential malpractice and the need to assert accountability, next, the need for necessary training standards to use the equipment and the establishment of certification that verifies that criteria are met, requirements are met, lastly, is the need for informed consent of the patients that these procedures and equipment are being performed on. This last part is a serious ethical-legal concern. Patients must be made aware of all the positive and negative aspects of the technology and the possible flaws and failings that may be present. This source will be beneficial because it presents the answer to the questions, which are the legal issues that must be considered in relation to this topic.

Ellis, D., Cavanagh, S. J., & Redman, B. K. (2013). Robot ethics. Hospitals & Health Networks.

            This article discusses some of the ethical issues related to the use of robotics in surgery that may become a more active practice in the future. It is the ethical questions that could, in fact, result in serious legal issues. A machine however accurate is not a thinking or ethical device; in cases of malpractice where the responsibility falls can create some legal issues concerning this topic. The author discusses some very valid background information on the differences between our “science fiction” interpretations of science and technology and the real, practical science and technological applications, including robotics in surgery. This source will be useful to my research on this topic because it provides an unbiased objective view of the topic and that will establish a balanced foundation for any future research.

Wolinsky, H. (2013). The forward march of robotic surgery. Chicago Medicine, 116(1), 18-23.

               This source, interestingly, enough does not discuss the legal issues, potential or present, that circulate this topic. However, it is highly supportive of technology and focuses on the most positive aspects. It also discusses the history of robotics, acknowledging that the technology is not exactly new. This source will help because it is always helpful to review all aspects of the issue. This supportive article is helpful in participating in well-rounded research. I think it will help with the foundation of future endeavors concerning this topic.

(2013). Intuitive Surgical (Nasdaq:isrg)-intuitive surgical: Angel with broken wings or the devil

in disguise? Citron Research, 1-30.

            This source takes a serious look at some of the potential legal issues that the future of robot surgery has to look forward to. The research shows that many of the injuries that have occurred in robot surgery could ultimately turn into genuine class action lawsuits. It focuses a great deal on where the responsibility will lie. Because, as yet, there is no specific number of surgeries or amount of hours practicing with the equipment authorizes a surgeon to be an “expert” in its use. In other words, the failings of the surgeon using the equipment may be held accountable, not the machine. This source is very thorough and discusses in great detail the uses, applications, and implications of the issues concerning robotic surgeries.