Stray Electrical Currents in Laparoscopic Instruments Used in da Vinci ^® Robot-Assisted Surgery: An <i>In Vitro</i> Study

Abstract

All tested instruments in our study demonstrated energy leakage. Stray currents were higher during coagulation (high voltage) waveforms, and the magnitude was not always proportionate to the ESU settings. Stray currents have the potential to cause electrical burns. We support the programmed end of life of da Vinci instruments on the basis of safety. Consideration should be given to alternate energy sources or the adoption of active electrode monitoring technology to all monopolar instruments.