Inova Health System Invites Public to Take Controls of Surgical Robot

Public Invited to ‘Test Their Skills as a Surgeon’ and Learn How Robotic Technology Is Used in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Falls Church, VA  – (July 15, 2009) — Inova Health System, a leader in the Washington metro area in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, is inviting the public to a demonstration of the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System at the Dulles Town Center. Visitors can take the surgeon’s seat at the console and work the robot’s arms, testing the maneuverability of the surgical tools while trying their hand at such tasks as picking up coins and manipulating rubber bands.

WHAT:
da Vinci Robotic Surgical System Demonstration

WHEN:
Saturday, July 25
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE:
Dulles Town Center
Center Court
21100 Dulles Town Circle
Dulles, VA 20166

The da Vinci system integrates high-definition 3-D endoscopy and state-of-the-art robotic technology to allow surgeons greater dexterity and precision. During da Vinci procedures, the surgeon sits at a console a few feet away from the patient and remotely manipulates the robot’s surgical instruments. Viewing the surgical field through a high-powered camera and a magnifying-lens system, the surgeon performs procedures such as prostatectomy (the removal of the prostate to treat cancer) through small incisions. Such minimally invasive surgery reduces blood loss and recovery time, among other benefits to the patient.

Inova’s da Vinci prostatectomy program is now the largest program in Northern Virginia and is the only prostatectomy program in Northern Virginia to achieve a five-star rating from HealthGrades®, an independent company that rates the quality of clinical outcomes and patient experience in 26 different areas. To learn more about Inova’s other distinctions, see www.inova.org/awards. And for more information about Inova’s da Vinci program, visit www.inova.org/davinci.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.