It's called the da Vinci Endoscopic Instrument Control System, and it's manufactured by Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

In using the device, the surgeon sits at a console with a computer and video monitor. The surgeon uses hand grips and foot pedals on the console to control three robotic arms that perform the surgery with a variety of tools. The robotic arms, which have a "wrist" built into the end of the tool, give the surgeon additional manipulation ability, enabling easier and more intricate motion and better control of tools.

The da Vinci system has already been cleared for several other uses. These include laparoscopic gall bladder surgery and reflux disease surgery, non-cardiac thoracoscopic chest surgery, and certain cardiotomy procedures such as mitral valve repair. But this is the first time this robotic-like system has received clearance for bypass surgery.