ThedaCare recently took a huge step in deepening its commitment to innovation and delivering excellent patient outcomes to the people it serves.
With the recent announcement of the addition of two Intuitive da Vinci 5® surgical systems, ThedaCare is enhancing access to expanded care options to communities in northeast and central Wisconsin. ThedaCare was the first health care system in Wisconsin to adopt the technology.
Advanced Technology
Biotechnology company Intuitive is the maker of da Vinci 5. It’s the company’s most advanced and integrated platform. Da Vinci 5 further advances technology used in minimally invasive surgery care. ThedaCare added the two new robots to the comprehensive surgery centers at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton and -Neenah in late August.
“ThedaCare is proud to be a leader in surgery innovation, continuing to evolve with the best equipment, technologies, and methods to create the best experience and outcomes for our patients,” says Dale Gisi, Senior Vice President, ThedaCare Central Region. “Whenever possible, our surgeons and care teams strive to use less-invasive techniques to minimize discomfort and help people heal faster.”
Upgraded Features
Da Vinci 5 is the newest entry to the da Vinci portfolio of systems. Surgeons can use the system for minimally invasive surgical procedures for urologic, gynecologic, thoracic, and general surgeries.
With more than 150 new design innovations, da Vinci 5 expands upon core da Vinci system features. These include wristed instruments, 3DHD visualization, intuitive motion, and an ergonomic design.
Key enhancements include:
- First-of-its-kind Force Feedback technology, which can reduce the amount of force on tissue
- Optimized vision with truer colors, higher image resolution, and the most realistic da Vinci 3D image
- Better ergonomics for greater surgeon comfort and surgical viewing
- More than 10,000 times the computing power of da Vinci Xi to deliver actionable insights
Understanding the Technology
As with all da Vinci surgical systems, the surgeon is 100% in control of the robotic-assisted da Vinci system. This translates their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body.
“The surgeon controls the movements and procedures for all surgeries,” says Dr. Cynthia Geocaris, General and Vascular Surgeon with Surgical Associates of Neenah and Medical Director of the ThedaCare Surgical Robotics Program. “These technologies allow the surgeon to perform minimally invasive surgery with smaller instruments. This allows them to conduct more thorough movements during procedures.”
Patients can benefit because smaller incisions often mean less pain, potentially shorter recovery times, and fewer days in the hospital. This means they can get back to work or their activities faster.
“Patients also receive the support of a multidisciplinary team that works with them from the moment they come in for surgery, during surgery, and in recovery,” Dr. Geocaris says. “This comprehensive approach can create a better experience and outcomes, setting our patients up for success.”
Care in Rural Communities
In addition to the acquisition of the two new Da Vinci 5 surgical systems, ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca will soon receive da Vinci Xi® surgical system.
“Each day, we strive to provide exceptional care close to home,” says Kellie Diedrick, ThedaCare Vice President of Critical Access Hospitals. “We understand that every community has its own unique characteristics and needs. We believe people deserve high-level, comprehensive care wherever they choose to live.”
Offering robotic surgery to the rural communities in and around Waupaca can help reduce the need to travel long distances to receive pre- and post-operative care.
“For the people we serve, this can mean less time away from work and other priorities,” Diedrick says. “By offering additional surgery options close to home, it can also allow patients to be near family and friends. This can lead to improved recovery.”
The Board of Directors in Waupaca supported the funding for the da Vinci Xi surgical system. It used funds that the community has generously provided over the years. These monies support strategic initiatives aimed at benefiting patients in Waupaca and surrounding communities.
“We’re proud to open up new robotic surgery offerings and expand the quality care we can deliver to all patients — including in our rural communities,” Diedrick says.
Robotic Surgery Excellence
General surgeons working with ThedaCare have expertise and advanced education and training in several areas. These include trauma surgery and cancer care. Both require high-level skills and expertise, particularly when injury or illness affects more than one area of the body.
ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah has achieved accreditation from Surgical Review Corp. as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. This accreditation recognizes ThedaCare’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality and safe patient care.
ThedaCare offers robotic surgery at its hospitals in Appleton, Berlin, Neenah, Shawano, and Waupaca.
National Leader
“ThedaCare has established itself as a national leader in robotic surgery,” Dr. Geocaris says. “To better serve the patient and their families, our teams continue to look for new ways to learn and grow through our surgery capabilities.”
Doctors from around the country can also learn robotic surgery skills from the expert surgeons at ThedaCare. This takes place both in person and through a remote learning hub.
“We have surgeons from all over the country coming to northeast and central Wisconsin to learn how to do robotic surgery,” Dr. Geocaris says. “Many of those who come to the area to train decide to stay here. This is critical to helping Wisconsin retain the medical experts needed to help keep our community healthy and thriving.”
Learn more about the surgery experience at ThedaCare.
