Riverside is committed to providing the best healthcare possible to each and every patient. This commitment means a dedication to technology and the application of robotics in a surgical setting. The benefits from robotic surgery have shown to result in faster recovery time, smaller incision size, and less blood loss.
Riverside has been at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery since introducing its first robotic surgical system more than 15 years ago. Here are a few of the robotic technologies Riverside is using today.
DaVinci XI
Used by General Surgery, Urology, OB-GYN
This robotic system acts as an extension of the surgeon’s eyes and hands, giving the physician 3-D magnified vision and 360° dexterity of four arms, which allows for more effective, precise surgical movements. When most people think of robotic surgery, this is probably the image that comes to mind. The surgeon is 100% in control of the robot, which translates their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body.
One of the benefits of this newer system is that the arms are mounted onto an overhead boom that can rotate and pivot into virtually any position.
Additionally, the immersive 3D-HD vision system provides surgeons a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient.
Surgeons specifically trained on the DaVinci Xi at Riverside Medical Center are able to perform numerous kinds of abdominal, gynecological, and urological operations.
Mako
Used by Orthopedics
Mako SmartRobotics is an innovative solution for many suffering from painful arthritis of the knee or hip. Mako uses 3D CT-based planning software so the surgeon can know more about a patient’s anatomy to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. The CT-scan creates a visual 3D model which helps to preplan and assist the surgeon in performing the joint replacement procedure.
In the operating room, the surgeon follows the individualized surgical plan while preparing the bone for the implant. The surgeon guides Mako’s robotic arm within the predefined area, and Mako’s technology helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries. By guiding the doctor during surgery, Mako’s technology allows the surgeon to remove less by cutting precisely what’s planned to help protect healthy bone.
It’s important to understand that the surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who guides Mako’s robotic arm during the surgery to position the implant in the knee and hip joints.
Cirq
Used by Neurosciences (Brain and Spine)
The Cirq, dubbed “Cirqules” after the Roman god known for strength, is an essential part of the team of leading-edge technologies Riverside Healthcare utilizes to deliver expert patient care. Inspired by the form of the human arm, Cirq is a reliable and intuitive assistant during surgical procedures.
With robotic technologies Riverside’s Neurosciences Specialists can focus on the delicate skillful parts of the procedure, while the Cirq becomes like a third arm, aiding in accuracy and placements. During an operation, the surgeon moves and locks the robot into place to guide and stabilize surgical steps. By having an extra, software-driven hand, the surgeon can focus on the procedure with both human hands.
ORBEYE
Used by Neurosciences (Brain and Spine)
The precise 4K-3D images from the ORBEYE surgical microscope provide 26x magnification imaging to aid in life-saving procedures, all displayed on a large 55-inch 4K-3D monitor for the entire surgical team to view in real-time. The enhanced imaging provides high-resolution details of structural and surrounding tissue, tumors, blood vessels, and other features, allowing the team to tailor appropriate surgical interventions. This all happens through dime-sized incisions, which has a major impact on the recovery time for the patient.
Additionally, the ORBEYE has the potential to reduce surgeon fatigue by eliminating the need for extensive microscope eyepiece viewing and allows for a more comfortable, upright working posture. The ORBEYE microscope unit itself is much smaller, too, allowing for additional operative space.
The ORBEYE 4K-3D Microscope enhances minimally invasive techniques used by neurosurgeons in some of the most complex and lengthy surgeries.
Augmented Reality with Zeiss Kinevo Microscope
Used by Neurosciences (Brain and Spine)
Riverside has partnered with Brainlab to bring this technology to the region by using the Zeiss Kinevo Microscope. This new technology provides Riverside’s Neurosciences Specialists with a projected image of a patient’s internal structures, even those that aren’t visible because other body structures may be in the way. This allows surgeons to gauge where they are in the procedure and focus directly on an area.
This technology gives surgeons clearer visuals by compiling previous scans as well as real-time data. Riverside surgeons can choose to use the augmented reality either by a headset or nearby screen.
The fast image processing system results in real-time visualization with no delay between the surgeon’s movements and the screen’s display. This allows for smooth viewing and precise instrument placement for the operation of a specific location.
Xenex
Used throughout the Hospital System
If you’ve ever driven down Kennedy Drive in the evening, you may have noticed bright flashes coming from some rooms at Riverside Medical Center. This light is coming from Riverside’s team of Xenex Robots. While surface cleaning is effective in killing germs, it doesn’t always get in every crease and crevice. These germ zapping robots utilize a pulsed xenon lamp, that quickly and effectively destroys viruses and bacteria where they are most vulnerable without damaging surfaces or materials.
The Future is Here
Riverside continues to be committed to providing the best care in the region, by utilizing the most advanced technology, including robotics, available. You can learn more about robotics and other technologies at Riverside by visiting riversidehealthcare.org/roboticsurgeries