7 Healthcast: Virtual surgery

The Da Vinci robot offers its human counterpart some distinct advantages in performing surgeries that require precision and rock solid steadiness.

This new generation model is smaller. And it's all digital with a 3D view that is now high definition.

Looking into the console, a surgeon can magnify what he or she is about to cut 15 times.

Da Vinci is helpful in prostate and other urological procedures. With high-def resolution this 'virtual' field of vision opens the door for even more applications.

At the console, not far from the patient, the surgeon moves his hands, wrists and fingers, and Da Vinci mimics the exact movements.

A special module allows him to scale down the movements - so while his wrist may be moving three centimeters at the console, it's translating it into only one centimeter of movement inside the patient.

Another plus-

"As surgeons get older they often will develop a slight intention tremor," said surgeon Dr. Jay Bishoff. "The robot doesn't have an intention tremor."

Hospitals might eventually use Da Vinci on general surgery patients and heart patients. The military is even looking having a Da Vinci robot on a ship and then having a doctor back on land perform surgery.

(Copyright 2008 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)