A surgeon at Luton and Dunstable Hospital in the UK has showcased a new robot that is being used in medical procedures. The robot, called “da Vinci Xi,” is being used for the first time in the hospital’s specialist weight loss clinic. The surgeon compared operating the robot to flying a plane, as it requires the use of hands, eyes, and feet to control all the functions. While it may take some time to get used to, it is hoped that using this robot will help speed up procedures and reduce waiting times for patients.

According to the NHS, the number of bariatric surgeries, which are weight loss surgeries, has been lower than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By introducing the da Vinci Xi robot, the hospital aims to increase the efficiency of these surgeries and make them more accessible to patients. This technology allows surgeons to perform procedures with greater precision and control, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

The da Vinci Xi robot is equipped with advanced features that enhance the surgeon’s capabilities. It provides a 3D high-definition view of the surgical site, allowing for better visualization and accuracy. The robot’s robotic arms can mimic the movements of the surgeon’s hands, enabling precise and delicate maneuvers. This technology has been widely used in various surgical specialties, including urology, gynecology, and general surgery.

The introduction of robotic systems in healthcare is a significant advancement in medical technology. It not only improves surgical outcomes but also reduces the risk of complications and shortens recovery times for patients. As the use of robots becomes more widespread, it is expected that waiting times for procedures will decrease, allowing more patients to receive the care they need in a timely manner.

In conclusion, the Luton and Dunstable Hospital in the UK has implemented a new robot, the da Vinci Xi, in its weight loss clinic. This robot allows surgeons to perform procedures with greater precision and control, potentially reducing waiting times for patients. The advanced features of the robot enhance the surgeon’s capabilities and improve surgical outcomes. As robotic systems become more common in healthcare, it is expected that they will revolutionize the field and provide better care for patients.

Original news source: Luton and Dunstable Hospital surgeon uses new robot (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary

Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Instruct them to read the article individually and then summarize the main points in their own words. Afterward, have them share their summaries with their partner or group and discuss any differences or additional insights they may have.

– Opinion Poll

Instructions: Have the class choose a topic related to the article, such as the use of robotics in healthcare or the impact of technology on surgical procedures. Instruct them to create a poll with questions related to the topic and then conduct a survey within the class. After collecting the responses, have a class discussion where students can share and compare their opinions based on the survey results.

– Sketch It

Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Assign each group a specific aspect of the article, such as the da Vinci Xi robot or the benefits of using robotics in surgery. Instruct them to create a visual representation or sketch of their assigned aspect. Afterward, have each group present their sketch to the class and explain their interpretation of the chosen topic.

– Vocabulary Pictionary

Instructions: Write a list of key vocabulary words from the article on the board. Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Instruct each group to choose a word from the list and draw a picture that represents the word. The other groups must then guess the word based on the drawing. This activity helps reinforce vocabulary retention and encourages creative thinking.

– Pros and Cons

Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Instruct them to discuss the pros and cons of using robotic systems in healthcare, as mentioned in the article. They should consider factors such as improved surgical outcomes, reduced waiting times, and potential risks or limitations of using robots in medical procedures. Afterward, have each group present their findings to the class and facilitate a class discussion to explore different perspectives.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the name of the robot being used in the weight loss clinic at Luton and Dunstable Hospital?
2. How does the surgeon compare operating the robot to?
3. What is the goal of using the da Vinci Xi robot in weight loss surgeries?
4. What are some of the advanced features of the da Vinci Xi robot?
5. In which surgical specialties has this technology been widely used?
6. What are some of the benefits of introducing robotic systems in healthcare?
7. How does the use of robots in healthcare potentially reduce waiting times for procedures?
8. What is the potential impact of robotic systems on the field of healthcare?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A surgeon at Luton and Dunstable (1)______ in the UK has showcased a new robot that is being used in medical procedures. The robot, called “da (2)______ Xi,” is being used for the first time in the hospital’s specialist weight loss clinic. The surgeon compared operating the robot to flying a plane, as it requires the use of (3)______, eyes, and feet to control all the functions. While it may take some time to get used to, it is hoped that using this robot will help speed up procedures and reduce waiting times for (4)______.

According to the NHS, the number of bariatric surgeries, which are weight loss surgeries, has been (5)______ than usual due to the (6)______ pandemic. By introducing the da Vinci Xi robot, the hospital aims to increase the efficiency of these surgeries and make them more accessible to patients. This (7)______ allows surgeons to (8)______ procedures with greater precision and control, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

The da Vinci Xi robot is equipped with advanced features that enhance the surgeon’s capabilities. It provides a 3D high-definition view of the surgical site, allowing for better visualization and accuracy. The robot’s robotic arms can mimic the movements of the surgeon’s hands, enabling precise and delicate maneuvers. This technology has been widely used in various surgical specialties, including urology, gynecology, and general (9)______.

The introduction of robotic systems in healthcare is a significant advancement in medical technology. It not only improves surgical outcomes but also reduces the risk of (10)______ and shortens recovery times for patients. As the use of robots becomes more widespread, it is expected that waiting times for (11)______ will (12)______, allowing more patients to receive the care they need in a timely manner.

In conclusion, the Luton and Dunstable Hospital in the UK has implemented a new robot, the da Vinci Xi, in its weight loss clinic. This robot allows (13)______ to perform procedures with greater precision and control, potentially reducing (14)______ times for patients. The advanced features of the robot enhance the surgeon’s capabilities and improve surgical outcomes. As robotic systems (15)______ more common in (16)______, it is expected that they will revolutionize the field and provide better care for patients.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What are your thoughts on using robots in medical procedures?
2. Do you think the use of robots in surgery will become more common in the future? Why or why not?
3. How would you feel if you had to undergo a surgical procedure performed by a robot?
4. What do you think are the advantages of using a robot in weight loss surgeries?
5. Do you think robotic systems will completely replace human surgeons in the future? Why or why not?
6. How do you think the introduction of robots in healthcare will impact the overall quality of patient care?
7. What other medical specialties do you think could benefit from the use of robotic systems?
8. Have you ever had any personal experience with robotic technology in healthcare? If so, can you share your experience?
9. Do you believe that using robots in surgery can reduce the risk of complications? Why or why not?
10. How do you think the use of robots in surgery can improve patient outcomes?
11. What challenges do you think hospitals might face when implementing robotic systems in healthcare?
12. How do you think the use of robots in surgery can contribute to shorter recovery times for patients?
13. What potential drawbacks or concerns do you have about the use of robots in medical procedures?
14. Do you think the use of robots in surgery will make procedures more expensive or more affordable for patients? Why?
15. What role do you think human surgeons will play in a future where robots are commonly used in healthcare?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. robot
2. da Vinci Xi
3. surgeon
4. procedures
5. weight loss
6. surgical
7. outcomes
8. healthcare

Meanings:
(a) A machine that can perform tasks autonomously
(b) The results or effects of a medical treatment or procedure
(c) Medical treatments or interventions
(d) A doctor who performs operations
(e) The system or industry that provides medical services
(f) The name of a specific robot used in medical procedures
(g) Relating to or involving surgery
(h) The process of losing body weight
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the name of the robot being used in Luton and Dunstable Hospital’s weight loss clinic?
(a) da Vinci Omega
(b) da Vinci Xi
(c) da Vinci Alpha
(d) da Vinci Beta

2. How does the surgeon compare operating the robot to?
(a) Flying a plane
(b) Driving a car
(c) Riding a bike
(d) Walking a dog

3. What type of surgeries has the number been lower than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
(a) Orthopedic surgeries
(b) Cardiovascular surgeries
(c) Neurosurgical surgeries
(d) Bariatric surgeries

4. What is one of the advanced features of the da Vinci Xi robot?
(a) Remote control capabilities
(b) Voice recognition technology
(c) 3D high-definition view of the surgical site
(d) Virtual reality integration

5. In addition to weight loss surgeries, what other surgical specialties has the da Vinci Xi robot been widely used in?
(a) Urology, gynecology, and general surgery
(b) Orthopedics, ophthalmology, and dermatology
(c) Cardiology, neurology, and radiology
(d) Pediatrics, psychiatry, and oncology

6. What is one potential benefit of using robotic systems in healthcare?
(a) Increasing waiting times for procedures
(b) Reducing the risk of complications
(c) Decreasing surgical outcomes
(d) Lengthening recovery times for patients

7. What is the goal of implementing the da Vinci Xi robot in Luton and Dunstable Hospital’s weight loss clinic?
(a) To decrease the precision and control of surgeries
(b) To prolong waiting times for patients
(c) To worsen surgical outcomes for patients
(d) To increase the efficiency of surgeries and make them more accessible to patients

8. What is the expected impact of the widespread use of robotic systems in healthcare?
(a) Increasing the risk of complications
(b) Lengthening recovery times for patients
(c) Decreasing waiting times for procedures
(d) Providing worse care for patients

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Luton and Dunstable Hospital in the UK has introduced a new robot called “da Vinci Xi” for medical procedures.
2. The surgeon compared operating the robot to flying a plane, as it requires the use of hands, eyes, and feet to control all the functions.
3. The da Vinci Xi robot provides a 3D high-definition view of the surgical site, enhancing visualization and accuracy.
4. Robotic systems in healthcare do not improve surgical outcomes, increase the risk of complications, and prolong recovery times for patients.
5. The robot is not being used for the first time in the hospital’s specialist weight loss clinic.
6. The use of robots in healthcare is not expected to decrease waiting times for procedures or provide better care for patients.
7. The robot’s robotic arms cannot mimic the movements of the surgeon’s hands, resulting in imprecise and rough maneuvers.
8. The introduction of the da Vinci Xi robot aims to increase the efficiency of weight loss surgeries and make them more accessible to patients.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How is the da Vinci Xi robot being used in the weight loss clinic at Luton and Dunstable Hospital?
2. What advantages does the da Vinci Xi robot offer in terms of surgical procedures?
3. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the number of bariatric surgeries?
4. What are the potential benefits of using robotic systems in healthcare?
5. How do the advanced features of the da Vinci Xi robot enhance a surgeon’s capabilities?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the name of the robot being used in the weight loss clinic at Luton and Dunstable Hospital?
The robot being used in the weight loss clinic at Luton and Dunstable Hospital is called “da Vinci Xi.”

2. How does the surgeon compare operating the robot to?
The surgeon compares operating the robot to flying a plane.

3. What is the goal of using the da Vinci Xi robot in weight loss surgeries?
The goal of using the da Vinci Xi robot in weight loss surgeries is to increase the efficiency of the surgeries and make them more accessible to patients.

4. What are some of the advanced features of the da Vinci Xi robot?
Some of the advanced features of the da Vinci Xi robot include providing a 3D high-definition view of the surgical site and robotic arms that can mimic the movements of the surgeon’s hands.

5. In which surgical specialties has this technology been widely used?
This technology has been widely used in various surgical specialties, including urology, gynecology, and general surgery.

6. What are some of the benefits of introducing robotic systems in healthcare?
Some benefits of introducing robotic systems in healthcare include improved surgical outcomes, reduced risk of complications, and shortened recovery times for patients.

7. How does the use of robots in healthcare potentially reduce waiting times for procedures?
The use of robots in healthcare potentially reduces waiting times for procedures by increasing the efficiency of surgeries and allowing more patients to receive timely care.

8. What is the potential impact of robotic systems on the field of healthcare?
The potential impact of robotic systems on the field of healthcare is that they can revolutionize the field and provide better care for patients.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Hospital
(2) Vinci
(3) hands
(4) patients
(5) lower
(6) COVID-19
(7) technology
(8) perform
(9) surgery
(10) complications
(11) procedures
(12) decrease
(13) surgeons
(14) waiting
(15) become
(16) healthcare
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. robot
Answer: (a) A machine that can perform tasks autonomously

2. da Vinci Xi
Answer: (f) The name of a specific robot used in medical procedures

3. surgeon
Answer: (d) A doctor who performs operations

4. procedures
Answer: (c) Medical treatments or interventions

5. weight loss
Answer: (h) The process of losing body weight

6. surgical
Answer: (g) Relating to or involving surgery

7. outcomes
Answer: (b) The results or effects of a medical treatment or procedure

8. healthcare
Answer: (e) The system or industry that provides medical services
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the name of the robot being used in Luton and Dunstable Hospital’s weight loss clinic?
Answer: (b) da Vinci Xi

2. How does the surgeon compare operating the robot to?
Answer: (a) Flying a plane

3. What type of surgeries has the number been lower than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Answer: (d) Bariatric surgeries

4. What is one of the advanced features of the da Vinci Xi robot?
Answer: (c) 3D high-definition view of the surgical site

5. In addition to weight loss surgeries, what other surgical specialties has the da Vinci Xi robot been widely used in?
Answer: (a) Urology, gynecology, and general surgery

6. What is one potential benefit of using robotic systems in healthcare?
Answer: (b) Reducing the risk of complications

7. What is the goal of implementing the da Vinci Xi robot in Luton and Dunstable Hospital’s weight loss clinic?
Answer: (d) To increase the efficiency of surgeries and make them more accessible to patients

8. What is the expected impact of the widespread use of robotic systems in healthcare?
Answer: (c) Decreasing waiting times for procedures
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Luton and Dunstable Hospital in the UK has introduced a new robot called “da Vinci Xi” for medical procedures. (Answer: True)
2. The surgeon compared operating the robot to flying a plane, as it requires the use of hands, eyes, and feet to control all the functions. (Answer: True)
3. The da Vinci Xi robot provides a 3D high-definition view of the surgical site, enhancing visualization and accuracy. (Answer: True)
4. Robotic systems in healthcare do not improve surgical outcomes, increase the risk of complications, and prolong recovery times for patients. (Answer: False)
5. The robot is not being used for the first time in the hospital’s specialist weight loss clinic. (Answer: False)
6. The use of robots in healthcare is not expected to decrease waiting times for procedures or provide better care for patients. (Answer: False)
7. The robot’s robotic arms cannot mimic the movements of the surgeon’s hands, resulting in imprecise and rough maneuvers. (Answer: False)
8. The introduction of the da Vinci Xi robot aims to increase the efficiency of weight loss surgeries and make them more accessible to patients. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧