STHS Heart celebrates launch of its Robotic Surgery Program

SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM HEART CELEBRATING LAUNCH OF ITS ROBOTIC SURGERY PROGRAM WITH SPECIAL ROBOTICS DAY & CAREER FAIR

Technological advancements have changed the way some surgeries are performed, allowing them to be safer and more precise, as well as enabling some to be less invasive and require a shorter recovery time. One of these advancements in recent years is the implementation of robotic surgery.

South Texas Health System Heart recently launched its robotic surgery program following the acquisition of a da Vinci® Xi robotic system, a highly advanced, computer-assisted surgical system that enhances surgical capabilities beyond a surgeon’s eyes and hands, allowing them to “see” inside the body and perform surgeries with more meticulousness.

With the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, surgeons can operate on a patient via one or more small incisions, typically less than or equal to one centimeter long, as opposed to the large incisions that may be required in traditional surgery. The device is equipped with four thin robotic arms, which have a wider range of motion than the human hand. The system also offers a magnified 3D view of the surgical site and helps surgeons operate with precision, flexibility and control.

More than 10 million robotic-assisted surgical procedures were performed around the world using da Vinci surgical systems by the end of 2021, according to the manufacturer, Intuitive Surgical, with more than 6,730 da Vinci surgical systems installed in 69 countries.

To commemorate the procurement of its own da Vinci Xi Surgical System and launch of its robotic surgery program, STHS Heart will be hosting Robotics Day to allow students and healthcare professionals to interact with the surgical system for themselves and learn how it helps improve patient outcomes and the overall patient experience.

The robotics demonstration, which will be held in the conference room at STHS Heart Clinics, will be part of an all-day event that includes a healthcare career fair for students of all ages to learn more about the robotics program at STHS Heart, as well as the many healthcare-related careers available at South Texas Health System.

The Robotics Day & Healthcare Career Fair for elementary, junior high and high school students, as well as the general public, will be held on Tuesday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A second day of the da Vinci Xi system demonstration will be held exclusively for healthcare professionals and students enrolled in allied health and nursing programs at local colleges and technical schools on Wednesday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If you’re interested in bringing a group of students to the Robotics Day event, please contact Tom Castañeda at tom.castaneda@uhsrgv.com or (956) 388-2016.

About South Texas Health System 

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.