Anthropometric Assessment of the da Vinci Surgical Robot

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe an ergonomic assessment of a da Vinci Surgical Robot. The use of surgical robots has significantly enhanced the surgeon's control and visualization during minimally invasive surgery. In turn, these technological advances have translated into significant benefits to the patients compared to traditional laparoscopic techniques. However, use of surgical robots requires that surgeons sit for extended periods at a surgical console from which they control the robotic arms and view the surgical procedure through a high resolution viewer. This can lead to sustained trunk and neck flexion, resulting in discomfort in those regions. The system was analyzed through observational assessment and anthropometric modeling. The results of the analysis indicate that the current adjustability of the da Vinci console is sufficient for a large majority of the population, but individuals shorter than 60“ or taller than 72” face challenges in using the system.