Thanks for the clarification. Normally, you introduce a trocar into the umbilicus and use a straight lens with camera attached to enter the abdominal cavity to peek around before inserting instrumentation through additional ports so you do not accidentally pierce organs. Oops.
Will be interesting to see the SPORT in use. Guess you would introduce a trocar, insert the 2D camera to peek around while insufflating and then bring in the 3D camera. Makes sense now.
The 2D camera is integrated into the insertion tube with a redundant light source. This allows visualization of the work space as the insertion tube is initially deployed so that the subsequent insertion of 3D camera (with its own light source) and snake arms can be seen on screen as they are inserted. The 2D camera also serves as a failsafe system; in the event of a 3D camera failure, the 2D camera still provides sufficient visualization to complete the procedure without converting to open surgery. Lastly, the 2D camera maintains visualization during 3D camera lens cleaning, which (I have been told) happens every ten to fifteen minutes with ISRG's current offerings. I believe our camera wash system patent was approved but the last I heard, it isn't expected to be implemented in this initial release of the robot. Upgrades = $$$!
Message in reply to: I can tell you it is BOTH in terms of cameras...The 3D one is steerable goes into the insertion tube...the 2D one is a camera that is always on so the Docs never lose sight of where they are or if they don't need the other one.
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