meet_the_robots: STHS builds on its dedication to innovation
By Mike Scott, mscott@stph.org
St. Tammany Health System’s fleet of robots grew by one this past summer, with the addition of a Stryker Mako System, designed to assist surgeons in performing total knee and hip replacements.
“By adding Mako to our robotics inventory, St. Tammany is changing the way orthopedic surgeries are performed across the joint replacement service line,” said Roch Hontas MD, an orthopedist with the STHS Bone and Joint Clinic. “We’re providing each patient with a far more precise surgery plan based on our own decades of experience coupled with the Mako’s highly detailed imagery.”
The Mako joins a high-tech club. It’s one of a number of robots in service throughout the Covington hospital, from the operating room to the break room to patient rooms.
Here’s a closer look at some of them:
Name: da Vinci
Manufacturer: Intuitive Surgical
Purpose: To assist surgeons in a variety of surgeries, including procedures to treat pelvic and urologic cancers. The system employs a minimally invasive approach, meaning reduced complications and shorter recovery times.
Fun fact: In 2007, the da Vinci became the first surgical robot purchased by St. Tammany Health System. It has proven so popular among surgeons and patients alike that the health system has since acquired two additional da Vinci systems. In summer 2019, STHS surgeons conducted their 5,000th da Vinci-assisted surgery.
Name: Modus V
Manufacturer: Synaptive Medical
Purpose: A robotic arm with high-powered digital microscope, it enables neurosurgeons at STHS to perform complex brain and spine surgeries.
Fun fact: The optics incorporated into the Modus V were originally developed for the International Space Station. Coupled with Synaptive’s BrightMatter technology, which maps the best approach to the targeted area, it often allows for less invasive surgery – even in some cases previously considered inoperable.
Name: Mako
Manufacturer: Stryker
Purpose: To assist surgeons in total knee and hip replacements.
Fun fact: Through CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy, surgeons can use the Mako System to create a personalized surgical plan and identify the implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patient’s unique anatomy. During surgery, the surgeon can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic arm.
Name: Lytbot
Manufacturer: Solaris
Purpose: The Lytbot uses UV light to disinfect surfaces quickly and effectively, killing up to 99% of harmful bacteria without chemicals after just a five-minute cycle.
Fun fact: STHS bought its first two Lytbots – nicknamed “The Twins” – with funds raised by the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation in April. They worked so well when coupled with the hospital’s traditional cleaning methods that it has since acquired a third. In addition, the foundation board gifted the hospital with two smaller but similar units designed specifically to disinfect the bathrooms in patient rooms.
Name: Sally
Manufacturer: Salad Station
Purpose: Assembles fresh, made-to-order salads on demand, 24/7.
Fun fact: Technology, nutrition and convenience come together with Sally the salad bot, located in our lobby coffee shop. Using a touch screen, customers can order up one of a number of pre-programmed salads or customize their own using any of 22 ingredients – making for more than 1,000 combinations – all of which are kept at 38 degrees and refilled daily.
