IMSS Uses da Vinci Robot to Provide Inclusive Healthcare

The IMSS created the first committee that will address and evaluate different treatments for patients who cannot receive blood transfusions due to their religious beliefs. The committee will carefully study each patient on a case by case basis. 

“This committee is a collegiate body that not only offers the possibility of generating the best care for a patient, but also provides security for both parties, because as a collegiate body, different areas of opportunity and expertise are seen and the best option that can be offered is evaluated. But above all that we can communicate with the patient in all areas and explain at length what are risks and benefits,” says Rafael Medrano, Director, Oncologic Hospital of the National Medical Center Siglo XXI. 

Religious beliefs can sway patients’ medical decisions, so it is important for health systems to offer healthcare services that align with the cultural, religious and social needs of the patient. While most of the Mexican population is Catholic, the IMSS is trying to develop an inclusive model that considers the needs of every citizen who requires healthcare services. 

To achieve this, the institution is leveraging technology. The first patient benefited from this initiative was subjected to a minimal invasive surgery assisted by the da Vinci Surgical System. Thanks to this technology, the surgery was successful despite having an estimated rate of success of 5%. “With robotic surgery we will increase productivity and provide access to people in many circumstances of a social, technical and pathological nature,” says Medrano.

The da Vinci Surgical System allowed improved the identification of vascular structures, reducing the possibility of bleeding. This robot allows the surgeon to control four arms equipped with surgical instruments and cameras remotely from a console. Surgeries using this system are often less traumatic, cause fewer complications and have shorter recovery times, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This system is constantly evolving. For example, the ABC Medical Center implemented the da Vinci Xi surgical system in Sept. 2022 that addresses several limitations of previous models.

Robots are increasingly being used in healthcare to increase efficiency in many areas due to their varied capabilities, as reported by Intel.