‘Da Vinci’ surgical robot unveiled at Sovah Health in Danville, starts naming contest
DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) — Sovah Health in Danville has announced that its health professionals are getting a helping hand in the operating room.
On May 14, the health care center announced that it had purchased a new surgical Da Vinci robot. The new addition will be tableside in the operating room. Sovah Health says the robot allows a surgeon’s hand movements to be scaled, filtered, and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments.
“At Sovah Health – Danville we’re committed to providing innovative and safe alternatives to traditional open surgery, whenever possible,” said Steve Heatherly, Market President, and CEO at Sovah Health – Danville. “Whether we’re using robotic-assisted technology or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, we want you to explore and understand all of your options knowing that we are prepared to care for you every step of the way.”
Carilion Clinic debuts new robotic tool for invasive procedures
With its magnified, high-resolution, and three-dimensional view, the surgeon can perform precise and complex surgery through very small surgical incisions. However, the surgeon is 100% in control of the robotic system.
Health officials say the 3D-HD image can be magnified up to 10 times giving the surgeon a close-up view of the area they are operating on. The robotic instruments have mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movement of the human wrist. This allows the sergerma to make precise movements inside the body.
“We are very excited about the addition of the robotic system to our portfolio of surgical offerings at Sovah Health – Danville. Not everyone is a candidate for robotic surgery, however, and patients should consult with their doctor about the best surgical method for them individually,” said Dr. Zachary Ewart and Dr. Amanda McClung.
Dr. Ewart and McClung are general surgeons trained in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
To become skilled in robotic surgery, a surgeon must complete special training protocols including online didactics training, in-person classes, assist in bedside cases, and more.
Sovah Health is a regional health care delivery system, serving south-central Virginia and north-central North Carolina. The health care system has two hospital campuses, one in Danville and another in Martinsville.
The Danville Center is the leading medical center in the Dan River Region of Virginia and North Carolina.
Sovah Health-Danville is hosting a community-wide “Name the Robot” contest to welcome the new robot to the River City. The contest will close on May 31 and the winner will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card.
To enter the contest and to learn more about Robotic-Assisted Surgery at Sovah Health, visit their website.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
