The robotic Gyrus PK: a new articulating thermal sealing device and a preliminary series report

Before 2006, thermal sealing devices, such as the LigaSure (ValleyLab-Tyco Healthcare, Boulder, CO) and the Gyrus (Gyrus ACMI, Maple Grove, MN), were not available for use with the Da Vinci Surgical Robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunny Vale, CA). Surgeons had to incorporate standard nonarticulating handheld laparoscopic devices into their operations by having the bedside assistant use these devices. This took a significant portion of the procedure out of the hands of the operating surgeon. However, a new pulse-modulating device, the robotic Gyrus PK (RG-PK), has been manufactured specifically for the Da Vinci. We present our initial experience with this new device in 12 patients, all but 1 of which were children.