The Da Vinci system is a robotic-assisted surgical platform that uses minimally invasive techniques to perform complex operations. Using the system enhances a surgeon’s precision, flexibility, and control with a better 3D view. It is not autonomous, meaning the surgeon controls the robotic arms from a console that mimics their hand movements but produces smaller, more precise movements. The surgeons practice using the system through simulator training, online learning modules, and hands-on experience.

   The Da Vinci surgical robot was invented by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., a medical device company, founded by Dr. Frederic Moll, John G. Freund, and Robert G. Younge. The system is named after Leonardo da Vinci to honor the 15th-century Renaissance artist and inventor. The robot was introduced in 1999 after four years of product design and development, but didn’t become commercially available until 2000 when it was approved by the FDA. “28 years, 12+ million procedures, 66,000+ surgeons trained^3,” said Intuitive Surgical.

   The robot is most commonly used for challenging and complex operations, such as gynecology, bariatric, cardiothoracic, and general surgery. According to Strategic Market Research, “Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly popular in various fields, with an annual growth rate of around 15%. Its global volume was 1.24 million in 2020, with the US accounting for 70.6% of total surgery.” They have even begun completing telesurgery, long-distance operations. The first FDA-approved telesurgery was performed from 7,000 miles away, from Florida to Africa, in June of 2025.

    Since the first robot was introduced, there have been six new and improved models: S, Si, Xi, X, SP, and 5.) The Da Vinci 5 is the most recent, advanced, and integrated multiport platform. “These advances support enhanced surgical senses, greater surgeon autonomy, more streamlined OR workflows, and advanced data analytics to enable the future of surgery,” according to Intuitive.

   There are many benefits to using the Da Vinci robot. Studies have shown that the success rate is generally very high, often 94% to 100%. It has also commonly led to a shorter hospital stay and recovery with fewer complications. In non-robotically assisted procedures, it is difficult for the entire surgical team to view the patient and observe what is happening. Instead, with the system, the entire team can see a high-definition view on the control center screen.

The time needed to complete these procedures varies, depending on the type of surgery and the surgeon’s skill level, but by using the Da Vinci, it significantly decreases the time. A Da Vinci robot costs between $1 million and $2.5 million, depending on the specific model.