PATIENT SAFETY
Robotic Malfunction Checklist
Published on
Jul 22, 2025
Surgical Endoscopy
Alexis Desir, Kaustubh Gopal, John Norton, Herbert J. Zeh III & Ganesh Sankaranarayanan
Overview
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a Robotic Malfunction Checklist (RMC) designed to aid surgical teams in autonomously resolving robotic errors during procedures. Developed using real-world data from the OR Black Box® and system service history, the RMC addressed the most frequent malfunctions encountered with the da Vinci Xi system. Thirty-one surgical residents and attendings participated in simulation-based scenarios, with one group using the RMC and the other relying on conventional methods.
Results
Results showed that the RMC significantly reduced the time to resolve complex robotic errors—most notably a 43% reduction in resolving the third error—and lowered task load across most NASA TLX domains. Participants using the RMC also reported increased confidence in managing robotic malfunctions in real surgical settings. These findings suggest that the RMC can enhance surgical efficiency, reduce intraoperative stress, and potentially improve patient safety, warranting further exploration in live operating rooms.
Peer-reviewed Research
