HELENA – St. Peter’s Health introduced their new surgical robotics system to the Helena community Monday, the da Vinci Xi robot.
The newest member of the surgical team will allow robotically trained surgeons to complete minimally invasive soft-tissue surgeries.
Surgeons at St. Peter’s are excited to implement the new technology and put their training to work helping patients.
“The new system allows for smaller incisions, which equates to a patient being in less postoperative pain,” said Dr. Alexis R. O’Leary, D.O. “That means quicker recovery and getting back to what you love to do faster.”
The da Vinci System features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate from a remote console.
St. Peter’s Urologist Dr. Kevin Brown said the new robot is a great extension of the surgeon’s abilities.
“The precise movements of the robot are able to perform parts of the procedure that are unable to be performed under regular techniques,” said Brown.
Longtime Helena Obstetrics and Gynecology care provider Dr. Jack McMahon has been training on the new technology and thinks it’s a great tool.
“What you can see with the robot is amazing,” explained McMahon. “This is going to really decrease recovery time and make those safer.”
The state of the art piece of equipment is a part of the $9 million upgrade to St. Peter’s surgical unit.
“By next summer we will have the most advanced operating suite in the state of Montana,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shelly Harkins. “This da Vinci Xi robot is part of us becoming the gold standard of healthcare in Montana and the most technologically advanced operating rooms in the area.”
Harkins said there are other da Vinci robots in the state, but the model installed at St. Peter’s is the most advanced version in Montana.
The first surgery with the new da Vinci Xi robot is scheduled for Friday July 26.
