Robotic Surgery Horror: Lawsuit Claims Intuitive Surgical’s Device Caused Fatal Injuries

In a shocking turn of events, a lawsuit filed in Florida exposes a tragic incident where a robotic device, identified as Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci, allegedly caused severe injuries leading to the death of Sandra Sultzer during surgery for colon cancer. The lawsuit, filed by her husband Harvey Sultzer, claims that the device burned and tore Sandra’s small intestine, ultimately resulting in her demise in February 2022.

The suit points fingers at Intuitive Surgical, alleging that the company was aware of insulation issues in the robot that could lead to electricity leakage, causing harm to internal organs. Shockingly, the lawsuit contends that the company failed to disclose these risks to both the Sultzers and the public. Furthermore, it accuses Intuitive Surgical of selling its robots to hospitals lacking experience in robotic surgery and inadequately training surgeons in the operation of the da Vinci.

This is not the first time Intuitive Surgical has faced legal scrutiny. The lawsuit reveals a history of similar issues dating back more than a decade, with allegations of thousands of unreported injuries and defects associated with the da Vinci system. The company’s annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission indicate settlements amounting to millions in response to product liability claims.

While many doctors consider robotic surgery safe, the lawsuit brings forth questions about the effectiveness of such procedures compared to traditional surgery. The da Vinci Surgical System, introduced in 1999, gained FDA approval in 2000, aiming to enhance precision and reduce invasiveness for quicker and less painful recoveries.

Sandra Sultzer’s case is not isolated, as the lawsuit refers to numerous complaints and reports received by Intuitive Surgical regarding the da Vinci robot’s issues, including energy leakage from instrument tip covers. Safety concerns were raised by researchers in 2011, and in 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to the company for non-compliance with federal regulations.

Despite these events, Intuitive Surgical maintains the safety of its device, citing scientific evidence. However, an NBC News analysis in 2018 identified over 20,000 adverse events related to the da Vinci in the last decade, with hundreds involving injuries and fatalities.

As the legal battle unfolds, questions linger about the responsibility of medical device manufacturers, surgeon training, and the overall safety of robotic-assisted surgeries.

The tragic saga of Sandra Sultzer raises awareness about potential risks associated with robotic surgery, urging a closer examination of safety protocols and transparency within the medical device industry.

In a shocking turn of events, a lawsuit filed in Florida exposes a tragic incident where a robotic device, identified as Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci, allegedly caused severe injuries leading to the death of Sandra Sultzer during surgery for colon cancer. The lawsuit, filed by her husband Harvey Sultzer, claims that the device burned and…