Have you been injured by a robotic medical device during a medical procedure? Common types of surgeries involve gynecological procedures such as hysterectomies. Use is also common for prostate and urological surgeries.
Our firm is investigating and litigating claims on behalf of patients injured by robotic surgery, which may be against the company which manufactured the robotic surgical device or the physician who did the procedure. In some suits, both parties may be included.
Contact us today at (212) 684-1880 for a free consultation with a knowledgeable and nationally recognized Injury attorney in New York.
May 8, 2013: Intuitive Surgical made an “Urgent Medical Device Notification” relating to the hot shears (also called monopolar curved scissors) on the da Vinci robot due to the risk of stray electricity leaking to organs and tissue, causing thermal burns. (Notification #2955842-05-07-2013-005)
The significance of this recall is much broader than just the alleged basis for the notification-micro-cracks found in a few arms. The recall notice, when read carefully, demonstrates what we have claimed all along in our New York State groundbreaking McCalla case and others: That there is a serious risk that the use of monopolar current in the da Vinci robot machines will cause tissue burns. Such burns may go undetected during surgery and manifest themselves only later when corrective surgery is needed and permanent damage or death may have occurred.
In fact, the recall notice contains an attachment which outlines the risks of burns. This is useful for legal claims in that it both shows what doctors should be aware of, and what has been concealed from doctors by Intuitive up to now. These points are:
Common types of injuries due reported, particularly to the FDA are: burns, tears of the intestines, punctured blood vessels or ureters, severe injury to the bowels, vaginal cuff dehiscence, excessive bleeding, and death. Injuries can be exacerbated because of delayed diagnosis.
Cutting and cauterizing the internal organs is accomplished by electrical current which is passed through robotic instruments. Due to the use of monopolar energy (as opposed to bipolar energy), increased the risk of burns occurs. This results from current which jumps from the instrument to the body part.
The surgical device responsible for these injuries is known as the “da Vinci,” manufactured by Intuitive Surgery, Inc., a California company. While literature touts a good safety record, there are instances where the robot has not responded to doctors’ commands. Another issue has been inadequate training on the machine. Surgeons may fail to notice that the machine caused an insidious complication.
Product liability suits against Intuitive Surgical may allege: improper design of monopolar circuits and failure of the insulating barriers. Failing to train surgeons how to use the da Vinci properly is also considered in these injury claims.
Our New York personal injury lawyers have successfully handled numerous faulty medical device lawsuits and have won many verdicts and settlements for people who have suffered. We offer our clients personal, attentive and individualized service from a skilled team of attorneys.
Please contact us today for free initial case evaluation.
We fight tirelessly to deliver results and we are not afraid to go to trial.
We are leaders and educators in legal issues involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability.
We have the experience to handle your case all while providing individualized attention.
D LJuly 9, 2024Tom Giuffra was effective and professional on my recent case; he got a better outcome than I was hoping. Very positive experience and highly recommend.Richard KennedyMay 3, 2024I would recommend Edward Ruffo to the highest degree possible for anyone in need of a top-notch medical malpractice lawyer. Over the past six years, he has provided me with exceptional service and support. From day one, Mr Ruffo was incredibly attentive, always taking the time to explain complex legal processes in a way that I could understand. Moreover, he even gave me his personal cell phone. Allowing me to reach out, whenever I had questions or needed further clarity. What truly sets Mr Ruffo apart though, is how tirelessly he fought on my behalf. He went above and beyond in all matters, and allowed me to focus on my health while he took care of the rest. If you're looking for a lawyer who will truly go the extra mile for you, look no further.Thomas ZdazenskiApril 29, 2024Edward Ruffo was the lawyer I chose to represent my family after losing my mother to nursing home negligence resulting in her death.From the first time I spoke to him, he demonstrated a true passion for his job. He also demonstrated a strong ability and willingness to listen, displayed an excellent knowledge of the law, possesed excellent communication skills, was very patient, hardworking and persevering. His expertise in the area of law that he practices is superb. He is informative and is available whenever I need to speak to him or his staff. Any information imparted to me is easy to comprehend and explained in understandable terms. Mr Ruffo has worked tirelessly on my mother's case and everyone at his firm has been kind, patient and supportive. Mr Ruffo's paralegal , Nathalia Eusebio is one of the most kindhearted and personable people that I have ever had the priviledge of talking to. I cannot wait to meet her in person. She is always available to answer any questions that I have when I call the office, is friendly, knowledgeable and professional. I would recommend this attorney group to anyone who requires assistance with litigation.Kenneth WilhelmMarch 5, 2024Tom Giuffra is truly one of the very best! He gets huge verdicts for his clients and I would highly recommend him.Jay FabioDecember 13, 2023Mr.Giuffra helped me quickly reach a happy ending to a difficult time. He handled everything with the utmost professionalism and quickly/efficiently a resolution was established.Michael GreerMay 24, 2023I completely recommend working with this firm. I specifically worked with Tom and I’m very appreciative to him for handling my case and getting me a positive outcome.stephanie argentoDecember 13, 2022Thank u to Tom and Victoria for all they have done for me. They did an amazing job!!!!