DiagnosticsJohn Muir Health Foundation Funds Advanced Robotic Technology For Minimally Invasive Surgery
John Muir Health Foundation, the charitable fundraising organization for all John Muir Health programs and services, has provided funding to enable John Muir Health to purchase two advanced high definition daVinci® Surgical Systems for its Walnut Creek and Concord campuses. Surgeons at John Muir Heath will use the daVinci® "robots" for a variety of minimally invasive urological, gynecological, gynecologic/oncologic and colorectal treatments.
"Smaller gifts add up, and thanks to the generous giving of our local community, the Foundation was able to provide the funds to help advance the hospital"s robotic-assisted surgeries," said Milt Smith, president of the John Muir Health Foundation. "Despite the economic downturn, grateful patients, local individuals and families continue to demonstrate strong support for John Muir Health. On behalf of the physicians, technicians, nurses and staff, we thank everyone who helps us improve the healthcare in our community."
The Foundation"s unrestricted donations are individual contributions of about $100 on average, from individuals and families living in the community. These funds are used to purchase new technologies and equipment, as well as support services benefiting patients.
Armed with advanced high definition digital technology, the daVinci® Surgical Systems feature four robotic arms: one has a tiny video camera and the others manipulate complex surgical instruments. The robot is controlled by a surgeon seated at a monitor and console. The system provides the surgeon with the intuitive control, range of motion, fine tissue manipulation capability and 3-D visualization characteristic of open surgery, while simultaneously allowing the surgeon to work through tiny incisions typical of minimally invasive surgery.
"With robotic instruments, the surgeon has more degrees of motion in manipulating instruments, allowing more wrist-like actions with the laparoscopic instruments than you would have otherwise," said Dr. Babak Edraki, gynecologic oncology specialist at John Muir Health. "With daVinci®, the surgeon can do things that might otherwise be impossible and get much better results."
Studies have shown that patients benefit from minimally invasive robotic surgery by experiencing less blood loss and post-operative pain or discomfort, decreased risk of infection, significantly shortened hospital stay, and faster recovery. "We are extremely excited to bring this leading-edge technology to both campuses and hope that it will inspire others to donate to the Foundation in support of John Muir Health"s nationally recognized health care," said Smith.
John Muir Health Foundation