BCHS to add surgical robotics to its healing arsenal
 Less than 20 years ago, surgical robotics was an idea on paper; 10 years later it was a little more than a curiosity. Today, it is considered 'cutting-edge' treatment for surgery departments committed to giving their patients the latest options in health care technology.
Battle Creek Health System, in its long-standing effort of bringing high-tech choices to its physicians and patients, is installing the most advanced version of the da Vinci(r) 'S' with HD(tm) surgical system. The unit is named after Leonardo da Vinci, the inventor of the robot, and the person who is considered the first to use three-dimensional anatomical accuracy in his detailed masterpieces.
The da Vinci 'S' HD surgical system similarly provides physicians with such enhanced detail and precision that it can simulate an open surgical environment while allowing operation through tiny incisions. The da Vinci 'S' HD is designed to translate the surgeon's skilled hand movements into more precise motions through the use of microscopes, surgical tools, and video cameras.
 The da Vinci 'S' HD surgical system integrates a three-dimensional, high definition endoscopy and state-of-the-art robotic technology to virtually extend the surgeon's eyes and hands into the surgical field. Battle Creek Health System is the first to offer da Vinci S HD in clinical service in the Southcentral Michigan region. The da Vinci S HD surgical system offers unparalleled 3D HD visualization, with panoramic 16:9 aspect ratios.
Compared to the standard da Vinci, the da Vinci S HD provides surgeons greater than twice the viewing resolution and 20% more viewing area. This means improved clarity and detail of tissue planes and anatomy -- critical when performing delicate dissection or in reconstructive procedures.
The da Vinci 'S' HD improves upon conventional laparoscopic procedures where the surgeon stands next to the patient using hand-held, long-shafted instruments. Using this operating method, the surgeon must look up and away from the patient to view a nearby two-dimensional video monitor to see the instruments at the targeted anatomy. In contrast, the da Vinci 'S' HD system allows the surgeon, after making several dime-sized incisions as entry points, to operate from a comfortable, seated position with eyes and hands positioned in line with the instruments.
"This new technology provides surgeons with superior 3-D visualization, enhanced dexterity, and greater precision making it possible for them to perform minimally invasive procedures involving complex reconstruction," says Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Battle Creek Health System. "The improved and magnified images will enable our surgeons to handle delicate tissues with added precision, especially in confined spaces in the body."
For the patient, all of this means a surgery that is less painful, and has less blood loss, which in turn means less need for blood transfusions. In other words, patients have smaller incisions, which often heal faster after surgery. All of that translates into potentially shorter hospital stays, quicker recoveries, and faster returns to normal daily activities.
The da Vinci 'S' HD technology can be used in cardiothoracic, colorectal, gynecological, and urological surgeries. Completion of the robotics implementation program at Battle Creek Health System is scheduled for the first quarter of 2008.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 12 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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