St. Luke's Health Locations in North Houston Launch Two Cutting-Edge Surgical Robots

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- St. Luke's Health is proud to announce a significant advancement in surgical care for the North Houston community with the simultaneous launch of two highly anticipated robotic surgical systems today: the da Vinci surgical robot DV5 and the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System. These innovative technologies will enhance precisión, safety, and recovery for patients across a wide range of surgical specialties.

The Woodlands Welcomes the Next Generation: da Vinci DV5

St. Luke's Health-The Woodlands Hospital is now home to the da Vinci DV5, the latest model of the renowned da Vinci robotic surgical system. This cutting-edge platform offers a new level of sophistication for surgeons across various disciplines, including bariatrics, general surgery, OB/GYN, urology, and cardiovascular surgery. The DV5 introduces several key enhancements designed to optimize surgical outcomes and surgeon experience:

• Tactile Feedback: For the first time, surgeons will experience tactile feedback, allowing for a more intuitive and precise understanding of tissue manipulation during complex procedures.
• Enhanced Functionality: Improved system design offers superior dexterity and control, allowing surgeons to perform intricate maneuvers with greater ease.
• Ergonomic Design: A more comfortable and ergonomic console reduces surgeon fatigue during lengthy procedures, promoting greater focus and precision.
• Dual Console: The integration of a dual console provides an invaluable teaching tool, allowing experienced surgeons to mentor and train the next generation of robotic surgeons.

"The arrival of the da Vinci DV5 at St. Luke's Health-The Woodlands represents our unwavering commitment to providing the most advanced surgical options available," said Dr. Yong Choi, Chief Medical Officer and General Surgeon. "The added tactile feedback and improved ergonomics will empower our surgeons to operate with even greater precision."

Lakeside Revolutionizes Orthopedic Surgery with Mako SmartRobotics™

Simultaneously, St. Luke's Health-Lakeside Hospital introduces the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System, an orthopedic specialized robot that embodies Mako SmartRobotics™.

This intelligent technology empowers surgeons to "know more and cut less" for enhanced accuracy and patient-specific outcomes in orthopedic procedures. Mako has a strong global presence, with systems installed in 45 countries, and has recently achieved an unprecedented milestone of 1.5 million procedures worldwide, underscoring its widespread adoption and positive patient impact.

The Mako System offers significant advantages:

• 3D CT-based Planning: Surgeons can create a personalized surgical plan with a 3D model of the patient's anatomy, allowing for precise implant sizing, orientation, and alignment.
• AccuStop™ Haptic Technology: This advanced technology provides haptic feedback, guiding the surgeon within the pre-defined surgical plan and ensuring precise bone resections.
• Enhanced Outcomes: Mako SmartRobotics™ has demonstrated enhanced outcomes for total hip, total knee, and partial knee patients compared to manual surgery.
• Versatile Applications: The Mako System is applicable across multiple procedures, including Mako Total Knee, Partial Knee, Total Hip, and Spine, providing a comprehensive solution for orthopedic surgeons.
• Intraoperative Flexibility: Surgeons can virtually modify the surgical plan intraoperatively, adapting to unforeseen circumstances and ensuring optimal implant placement.

Lisa Williams, Director of Patient Care Services, commented, "The Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System is a game-changer for orthopedic care. It combines unparalleled precision with the ability to create highly personalized surgical plans, leading to optimized implant placement and potentially faster, more effective recoveries for our patients undergoing hip, knee, and spine procedures."

These significant investments underscore St. Luke's Health's dedication to leading medical innovation and providing the highest quality, most advanced care to the communities we serve in North Houston.

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