Area students 'sew up' name for BCHS's robotic surgery system contest

Christine Hood (second from right), a recent graduate of Lakeview High School and the area's Math and Science Center program was the winner of the Battle Creek Health System 'Name the Surgery Robot' contest. She submitted the name 'Stitch,' which describes what is used to close the small incisions that are made when the robotic surgery system is used at the hospital. (L-R) Chris Lapekas, Math and Science Center principal and Garrett Kissinger, second place winner with the name RAS (robotic assisted surgeon) watch as Hood receives her prize from Dr. Tammy Gleeson, chair of the BCHS surgery department.

Names are pretty important, otherwise what would we call one another? Battle Creek Health System took that concept to another level when it decided to hold a 'Name the Robot' contest for its highly touted robotic surgery system.

Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center students were asked to come up with a name for the hospital's new daVinci S high definition surgery platform when they toured the hospital and saw the robot up close and personally recently.

As one might expect, the name 'Robbie' did show up as an entry, but was not selected. The first place honors were 'sewed up' by Christine Hood, a graduating senior from Lakeview High School who suggested the name 'Stitch.' Garrett Kissinger, a sophomore, at Battle Creek Central High School was first runner up with his submission of RAS (robotic assisted surgeon)

"What a great moniker for our surgery system robot," says Dr. Tammy Gleeson, chair of the hospital's department of surgery. "This new surgery device, which uses microsurgery techniques and very small stitches, couldn't have had a more appropriate and unique name. 'Stitch' fits it to a 'T.'"

The daVinci S 'HD' robotic system at BCHS is powered by state-of-the-art technology that allows a surgeon's hand movements to be translated into precise movements of micro-instruments in and near the surgery site through tiny surgery openings. Its three-dimensional imaging camera capabilities give the surgeon a clearer picture of tissue structures. Because the surgery is performed using very small instruments placed through tiny incisions in the body, the patient experiences less pain and blood loss, usually has a shorter hospital, and most importantly is able to return to normal activities more quickly.

This new surgery platform uses a small camera that is inserted through very small incisions providing 3D and 16-times magnification at the surgical site, which enhances the surgeon's hand and wrist movements offering more dexterity, versatility, and precision.

Even though it is referred to as a 'robotic' surgery, the system cannot be programmed nor can it make decisions or incisions on its own. The daVinci system requires that every surgical maneuver be performed by the highly trained and skilled surgeon.

BCHS has the fastest growing robotic surgery program with the most experienced surgeons and surgical team in Southwest Michigan offering advanced surgical approaches in treating gynecologic, thoracic, and urology conditions.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

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